The Natalia Mustangs dropped their lone Spring Break game last week on the road in Atascosa County. The Mustangs were edged 13-12 offensively in the hit category in a 10-7 loss to the pride of the Strawberry Capital, Poteet.
The Mustangs were able to strike first in their opening at bat, as they used an AJ Felker base on balls to score a run thanks to a Manuel Garcia double with two outs.
This lead stood until the bottom of the 2nd. The Aggies responded with two singles, two walks and a double to take a 2-1 lead.
The Stangs stormed back ahead in the top of the 3rd inning. Natalia used a Felker base on balls, a Matt Contreras single, walks by Jermiah Castro and Garcia along with singles by Uriel Arellano and Fabian Ruiz to score three runs, giving Natalia a 4-2 lead on the Aggies.
Poteet surged ahead for good in the bottom of the 3rd. The Aggies used three singles, three walks, one error and a double to produce six huge runs allowing them to take an 8-4 lead they would never surrender.
Natalia added a run in the top of the 4th and two final runs in the 7th, but it was not enough. The Aggies scored one in the 5th and one in the 6th which fueled them past the Natalia Mustangs 10-7.
“We need to get better with the little things before we start district,” Coach Jeff Terry said. “There were some good things we did, but we still need to get better in areas.”
Manuel Garcia pitched the first 2.1 inning, as he allowed seven hits, walked five, struck out four and allowed seven earned runs. Matt Contreras pitched the final 3.2, allowed six hits, walked one, struck out four and allowed three runs, two of which were earned.
At bat: Garcia 1-3-1RBI-1run scored, Castro 1-4-1RBI, Joel Mendez 2-3-1run scored, Contreras 1-3-1run scored, Felker 2-2-1RBI-2runs scored, Jake Navarro 1-4, Arellano 1-2-1RBI-1run scored, Ruiz 0-4-1run scored and Jeremiah Gomez 2-4-2RBIs.
Defensive Put-Outs: Navarro 9, Contreras 4, Castro 3, Garcia 2. Assists: Castro 1, Gomez 1.
Upcoming Games
Natalia will round out non-district action this Thursday, March 21st when they battle the St. Anthony Jackets at the University of Incarnate Word Cardinal Field at 6:00 p.m. The Stangs then open 30-3A action on Tuesday, March 26th on the road in Frio County at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
By Eric Smith