Rattlers squeak by Estancia

The Tucumcari Lady Rattlers softball team needs to believe in its abilities and remain confident as it progresses through district play, said coach Donnie Garcia.

Garcia said the Lady Rattlers (4-4, 3-2) need to always have the confidence they had in the late innings of Monday's 8-7 win over Estancia at Tucumcari. He said this is the second time in the season that the Lady Rattlers have rallied back in late innings for an emotional victory.

"It makes for a great game, but these girls have the ability and skill to win games from the very start," Garcia said. "It's a great thing to know your team can fight back and win when the chips are down. But you rather not be in that situation especially in a district game."

The Lady Rattlers trailed 6-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning when an offensive rally began with a double by first baseman Melanie Jones to put a runner at third.

Lady Rattlers shortstop Gabriella Gray brought in the first of five runs that would tie the game.

The Lady Bears (13-6, 2-1) would pick up a run in the top of the sixth inning and a stout defense would keep the Lady Rattlers off the boards until the final inning.

Lady Rattlers shortstop Kalani French tied the game with an RBI groundout.

A single by Lady Rattlers second baseman Angel Sandoval brought in the runner at third capping the win for Tucumcari.

"I just kept thinking they were going to catch the ball, but I knew I had to run it out," Sandoval said.

Garcia said the Lady Rattlers need to have the same intensity shown in the last innings throughout the entire game. He said the team has had up and downs moments throughout the past couple of games. This includes the 11-1 loss to the Raton Lady Tigers on Saturday, Garcia added.

"The girls need to have confidence in themselves and each other as we move through district play," Garcia said.

The Lady Rattlers had a district game on Tuesday at Dora, with the score not available before publication.

Upcoming Games:

Softball

Friday: 4 p.m., Tucumcari at Logan

Tuesday: 4 p.m., Clayton at Tucumcari