The Natalia Lady Mustangs dropped their first three games in a row in 27-3A falling to Jourdanton, Poth and Lytle. Natalia simply didn’t produce enough offense and struggled defensively as they fell to 6-12-1 overall and 0-3 in district.
Jourdanton – Natalia opened district play Tuesday, March 8th on the road in Atascosa County vs. Jourdanton. The bats were on fire for Big Red, as J-Town belted out three home-runs including a grand-slam en route to a lop-sided 12-1 victory over Natalia.
Natalia’s lone run came in the 4th inning, as Taty Alvarado scored thanks to getting on courtesy of an error and was later brought in thanks to a Marina Billalobos single.
Jourdanton out-hit Natalia 12-1 and forced an additional five errors on the Lady Mustang defense. Billalobos took the loss on the mound, as she allowed twelve hits, twelve runs (seven earned), struck out four and walked five.
Poth – Last Friday, Natalia traveled to Wilson County to battle the Poth Pirettes. Natalia had a better outing offensively, but it was not enough.
After two scoreless innings, Natalia took the lead in the top of the 3rd as Yahdi Lujan got on with a single. She scored thanks to a Marina Billalobos single. This lead was short lived, as Poth responded with a big bottom of the 3rd inning.
Poth used three singles, two walks and a home-run to score seven runs to take the 7-1 lead they would never relinquish. Poth went on to defeat Natalia 15-5 in a 5-inning run-rule.
Accounting for hits for Natalia was Kira Jimenez, Lujan, Alvarado, Billalobos, Sky Gallegos, Anaya Jones and Araceley Segovia.
Billalobos took the loss on the mound, as she allowed fourteen hits, fifteen runs (10 earned), struck out four and walked six.
Lytle – Natalia was hoping to turn the tables at home Monday afternoon, as the Lytle Lady Pirates came to town. Lytle was able to strike early and often unfortunately, as they produced two runs in their opening at bat and four in the second to take charge and never look back. Lytle was able to defeat Natalia 9-2 in the seven inning contest.
Lytle finished the game out-hitting Natalia 7-4 as they forced an additional five errors on the Natalia defense.
Lujan led the offense for Natalia with two out of their four hits. Alvarado and Segovia accounting for the remaining two.
Billalobos allowed seven hits, nine runs (four earned), struck out four and walked two.
Moriah Gomez, Calyssa Sevier and Natalie Pacheco led the Lytle offense with two hits each. Gomez picked up the win on the mound for the Lady Pirates. She allowed four hits, two runs both of which were earned and struck out seven.
Upcoming Games – Natalia was scheduled to be at home today, Wednesday, March 16th at 1:00 p.m. vs. Karnes City.
Natalia hits the road Tuesday, March 22nd on the road vs. the Dilley Lady Wolves.
By Eric Smith
Staff Writer