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The Ray Junior High Bearcats traveled to Eloy to square off against the Blue Devils.
The 1stinning started with the Bearcats unable to score any runs. The Blue Devils were able to manage 1 run at their first time at bat. The 2ndinning the Bearcats were still unable to shake off the rust which resulted in 0 runs scored once again. The Blue Devils were able to score 3 runs in the second inning assisted with fielding errors and the Bearcat pitcher unable to find the umpires strike zone which resulted in an uncharacteristic 6 walks in the first two innings, leading the Blue Devils to a 4-0 lead at the end of two innings. The 3rdinning the Bearcats were able to score 1 run and hold the Blue Devils to 0 runs scored.
After two pitching changes the 4thand 5thinnings were both scoreless for 2 innings. With the 6thand final opportunity at bat for the Bearcats, the rust finally shook off. With the heart of the batting lineup coming up and the score 4-1, the Bearcats showed a glimpse of what kept them undefeated. With key walks, batter substitutions, and a crowd jumping single off the top of the fence the Bearcats were able to score 2 runs bringing the score to 4-3. With bases full, full count, and 1 out, the Blue Devils pitcher was able to get the Bearcat batter to line out and throw a runner out for a game saving double play. What an ending to a tough game that gave the Bearcats their first loss of the season.
Pitching for the Bearcats Daniella Hinojos (10 K, 7 W, 2 ER) and taking the 1stloss of the season on the mound. Leading the Bearcat offense Julie Meza (3-3), Daniella Hinojos (1-2), Naomi Hing (1-3), Janae (1-3), and Danni Montano (1-3).
The San Manuel Miners traveled to Ray for a battle of 5-1 teams and the #1 seeding for the Central League Tournament up for grabs. The 1stinning the Miners came out swinging scoring 3 runs their first time at bat assisted by two fielding errors. The Bearcats were able to only score 1 run their first at bat. What looked to be a mirror image of the Eloy game as the Miners scored 1 more run in the top of the second, bringing the score to 4-1. The Bearcats regrouped and scored 4 runs at their turn at bat. Ending the 2ndinning with a score 5-4. The third inning the Bearcat defense did not allow a run, while the Bearcat bats began warming up scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the 3rdinning. While a miscommunication and a questionable call removed the starting Bearcat pitcher from the game. Closer Danni Montano stepped on the mound, gave a smile, and never looked back in recording 8 strikeouts and 0 walks in 3 innings of relief only allowing 2 hits. The Miners were able to score 1 run in the 4thinning, but were held scoreless the 5th and 6thinnings. The Bearcats were able to add 3 insurance runs in the 4thand 5thinnings to finish the game with a score 14-5 in favor of the Bearcats.
Starting on the mound Daniella Hinojos (6K, 1W, 3H) and closing Danni Montano (8K, 0W, 2 H) combined for 14 strikeouts. On the offensive side the Bearcat batters registered 15 hits. Leading the way Sydney Contreras (3-3), Julie Meza (3-4), Janae Ruiz (2-3), Tara Lorona (2-3), Danni Montano (2-4), Ema Alavarado (2-4), and Naomi Hing (1-4). Game ball went to Danni Montano.
Up next for the Bearcats is San Carlos this Wednesday at the RHS softball field at 4 pm.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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