The Littlefield Lady Cats’ varsity softball team lost a tough contest to the Brownfield Lady Cubs in Littlefield on Saturday, 7-5.
With the loss, the Lady Cats fall to 7-6 overall, 0-2 in district play.
It was a pitcher’s duel through the first 2.5 innings, with neither team able to get a run across.
In the bottom of the third, Taryn Golden singled up the middle to lead things off, but Kaeleigh Logan struck out swinging for out number one. Golden took second on a pitch, before Natalia Sanchez singled on a dropped pop up by McKenzye Perez at third, putting two runners on for Littlefield. Cadence Sanchez popped up to Nazalyn Arenas for an infield fly for out number two, but Brookelyn Gau drew a walk to load the bases for the Lady Cats.
Katelyn Gau ripped a two-RBI single into the outfield, putting the Lady Cats in front, 2-0, with runners on the corners. MyKenzie Price, though, would pop up to Brianne Franco to end the inning.
The pitcher’s duel resumed until the top of the sixth inning, when Brownfield began to find their offense.
Ashley Ramirez singled up the middle for the Lady Cubs and took second on a pitch to Millie Castillo, before she ripped an RBI-single into right field to cut the lead in half, 2-1. She took second on the throw home. Kenley Salas popped up to Cadence Sanchez in the circle for out number one, but Franco ripped an RBI-double into left-center field to tie the game, 2- 2, and Arenas hit an RBI-double down the third-base line to give the Lady Cubs their first lead of the game, 3-2.
Sadie Garcia came on as the courtesy runner for Arenas, as Perez singled to left field for Brownfield. Malorie Martinez hit into a fielder’s choice to Natalia Sanchez at shortstop, who got the force out at second, as another run score, making the score, 4-2, with two outs. Jackie Castillo drew a walk, but Jalen Franco popped up to Natalia Sanchez at shortstop to retire the side.
The Lady Cats were kept quiet in the bottom of the sixth, and the Lady Cubs were able to tack on three runs in the top of the seventh to make the score, 7-2, going into the final half inning.
Golden and Alex Hernandez struck out swinging to begin the bottom of the seventh inning, but Natalia Sanchez singled up the middle and Cadence Sanchez was hit by a pitch to put two runners on for Littlefield. Brookelyn Gau drew a walk to load the bases, and Katelyn Gau hit a three-RBI double down the first-base line to cut the lead to, 7-5. However, the rally would fall short, as Price grounded out to Franco in the circle to end the game, as the Lady Cats fell to the Lady Cubs, 7-5.
Cadence Sanchez pitched a complete game for the Lady Cats on Sat-urday giving up seven runs and two walks, while earning three strikeouts.
The Lady Cats were at Denver City on Tuesday, as District play continues. Results were not available at press time. They will continue their season on Saturday with a road game against Dimmitt.
First-pitch is scheduled for noon.