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Kearny – The first game of the week sent the Bearcats to nearby Superior to face off against the undefeated Panthers. The first inning started off with defense as the Bearcats were 3 up, 3 down. The Panthers first at bat was also 3 up, 3 down.
In the second inning, the Bearcats began to awaken the bats as they scored one run this inning. The Bearcats defense retired the next three Panther batters to end the inning with the score 1-0. The third inning came up with the top of the Bearcat batting order, getting a second chance at the Superior pitcher. The Bearcats managed to score five more runs, to add to their total, led by a Julie Meza triple, while the defense once again retired the next three Panther batters. The third inning ended with the score 6-0.
The Panthers did not give up, scoring two runs in the fourth inning, and one run in the fifth inning, while the Bearcats were not able to score a run in both those innings, ending the fifth inning with a score of 6-3.
With the sixth and final inning up for both teams, the Bearcats were able to add one more insurance run, led by a Deseray Godoy triple, and a Janae Ruiz slap, in their turn at bat. The Panthers came out and scored one more run at their final at bat. The final score: Bearcats 7, Panthers 4.
Starting on the mound, Daniella Hinojos (6K, 3W,3H) and, also, going the distance for six innings. Offensively, the Bearcats were led by Julie Meza (2-3 triple), Daniella Hinojos (2-3 double), Deseray Godoy (1-3 triple), Janae Ruiz (1-3), Amee Kenyon (1-3), Sydney Contreras (1-3). Gameball went to the whole team.
The second game of the week took the Bearcats to Lobos country. The first inning, the Bearcats scored six runs led by an Ema Alvarado double and a Danni Montano off the fence double. The Lobos were held scoreless the first inning. The second inning came up and the Bearcat batters kept the pressure on, scoring six more runs, led by a Julie Meza off the fence double. The Lobos were unable to score a run, during their turn at bat, in the second inning.
With the third inning rolling around, the Bearcats made some substitutions and were able to score four more runs. The Lobos showed a spark of hitting in the third inning, scoring one run led by an Ahleah Arbizo single. In the fourth inning, the Bearcats were unable to score, as the Lobos batters were, also, unable to add any more runs at their first final at bat; leaving the score 16-1 after four innings. Game ball went to the Bearcat batters.
Starting on the mound Danni Montano (3K, 2W, 2H), and closing Daniella Hinojos (2K, 2W, 1H) for two innings apiece. Offensively, the Bearcats were led by Sydney Contreras (2-2), Julie Meza (3-4, double), Danni Montano (3-4, double), Ema Alvarado (2-4, double), Rosaline Garcia (1-2), Janae Ruiz (1-2), and Daniella Hinojos (1-2).
Up next for the Bearcats, a trip to Eloy this Wednesday to face the 2-1 Blue Devils and then a home game next Monday against the 3-0 Miners of San Manuel.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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