Varsity Lions score big win over Del Valle Cardinals

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Despite a sluggish start on the season, the Varsity Lions are poised for a strong performance in the second round of district play after grabbing a big home-field win over the Del Valle Cardinals. on Saturday, March 28.

After struggling with the Elgin Wildcats the night before, the Lions came back recharged and earned a

10-5 victory over the Cards on Saturday afternoon.

Assistant Coach Brad Robbins said a total team effort with key performances on offense and defense were instrumental in the Lions’ victory.

“Ricky [Rodriguez] stepped up and had a great command of the strike zone,” he said. “Our bats are starting to wake up, and Jacob [Castillo] and Matthew [Gallaway] are starting to heat up.”

Scoring started slowly, with both teams remaining scoreless for the first three innings. The bats came to life in the fourth, with Del Valle stacking up three runs. The Lions answered by brining four runners across the plate.

The Lions increased their lead to 8-3 in the fifth, and then thwarted the Cardinals’ attempt at a rally in the sixth. They allowed Del Valle to pick up only two more runs, while adding two of their own and closing scoring at 10-5.

The Lions earned their 10 runs on 11 hits and one error. The Cardinals scored their five runs on 10 hits and three errors.

Gallaway and Castillo paired up to lead the Lions at the plate, both going 3-4 and earning a double and two runs apiece. Castillo also added two RBIs to his stats, while Gallaway got one. Designated hitter Brandon Martinez was 2-3 with one run and one RBI.

Brian Martinez, Christian Estrada and Erik Garcia each contributed one hit.
Rodriguez added the victory to his tally on the mound, striking out four batters and walking only two.

“I think with the win against Del Valle we are right back in the thick of things,” Robbins said Monday. “We must continue to believe in ourselves and each other.”

The Lions will take a bye in district play this week, then return to the field on Tuesday, April 7 to face the Lehman Lobos. The second round of district play begins on April 9 when the Lions host the Manor Mustangs.