Tucumcari softball gets first victory

Staff report

The Tucumcari softball team captured its first victory of the season Friday with a 24-11 decision at Clayton.

Harley McKinney, Sage Knapp and Alexis Ramirez each went 4-for-4 for the Lady Rattlers (1-3) in the top three spots of the batting lineup.

Tucumcari starting pitcher Mireya Estrada earned a complete-game victory, with four strikeouts.

Tucumcari coach CJ Oglesby noted his team emerged victorious in spite of three starters being out of Friday’s lineup because they were competing in the state cheerleading championships.

“Amaya Infante stepped up and catched one heck of a game,” Oglesby said, “and also hit the ball well. The lowerclassmen stepped up. I’m real proud of these girls’ progression.”

Santa Rosa 22, Tucumcari 1

A 17-run fourth inning at Santa Rosa turned a close game into a 22-1 rout against the Tucumcari softball team on May 11.

Tucumcari scored its lone run in the third inning when Knapp hit an RBI single to right, scoring McKinney.

The Lady Rattlers (0-3) trailed just 5-1 after three frames. The Lady Lions crossed the plate 17 times during the bottom of the fourth to take full control during their season-opening game.

Felicity Lopez started the game as Tucumcari’s pitcher, who struggled with seven walks and was hampered by numerous outfield errors. Estrada relieved Lopez in the fourth.

“We didn’t hit the ball at all,” Oglesby said. “We had the opportunities, but we didn’t hit.”

The game was halted after the top of the fifth due to the mercy rule.