Lady Rattlers lose 15-13 slugfest at Raton

The Tucumcari girls softball team came out on the losing end of a 15-13 slugfest during its season opener Saturday at Raton.

The Tigers seized control with a seven-run fifth inning, then allowed just one run by the Lady Rattlers in the final two innings. Raton also scored seven runs in the second inning.

Tucumcari coach CJ Oglesby said fielding errors proved critical during the loss.

Harley McKinney, who switched to left-handed batting during the offseason, went 4-for-5 at the plate with four stolen bases for the Lady Rattlers.

Alexus Lafferty went 3-for-4, and D’Naylie Rivera came off the bench to go 3-for-3 with three RBI for Tucumcari.

Sage Knapp struck out four in seven innings pitched for Tucumcari.