PSJA Southwest battles, falls short against Mustangs

PHARR — The PSJA Southwest Javelinas dropped a home game here against the McAllen Memorial Mustangs on Friday by the score of 9-5.

The win earns the Mustangs their second district win in 31-5A, while the Javelinas still are scouring for their first.

The game started off as a slugfest for both teams as Memorial was able to earn 4 runs in the second inning. Southwest tried their best to match it up but trailed 5-4 at the end of two. At the top of the third, Sierra Hernandez took advantage of the two runners on base as she earned an RBI single after a missed scoop from the Javelinas’ shortstop.

A wild throw by Southwest gave up a score but a grounder infield helped weather the storm caused by Memorial.

It was 7-4 at the end of three.

At the top of the sixth, frustrations were visible by the Javelinas as a batter was walked, despite having two outs.

Arianna Flores capitalized on the opportunity and earned herself a triple — along with the RBI. Afterward, a wild throw earned the Mustangs another run.

Both of the squads came ready with their bats as they accumulated 23 hits — 12 for the Mustangs and 11 for the Southwest Javelinas.

One of the things that really ailed both teams were the errors, especially Southwest with the four they committed compared to Memorial’s two.

McAllen Memorial’s Maddie Gallardo, despite the rough start, got into a defensive groove to hold the Javelinas to only one run in the last five innings. She faced 36 batters, and got herself 8 strikeouts.

Southwest’s Angela Martinez held her own as the reliever as she took over in the last six innings for her team. She had five strikeouts.

Hernandez and Flores for McAllen Memorial combined for 6 RBI — with three each. Brianna Snell for Southwest led the offensive effort with 2.

Memorial was scheduled to play Sharyland Pioneer this week, while Southwest was set to play the McHi Bulldogs.