Emma Ramirez homers to lead Laredo United South to historic sweep of rival (photos)
LAREDO, Texas - Catcher Emma Ramirez blasted her third home run of the season to lift Laredo United South to a 6-3 win over Laredo United on Wednesday.
The win gave Laredo United South a season sweep of their rival for the first time in the program’s history.
Since going 0-12 in District 30-6A last season, the Lady Panthers are determined to get to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. They sit in fourth place to open the second round of District 30-6A play.
“We are in a tough district, and we knew that this was a key game that we had to win, because it keeps us in the running for a playoff spot,” United South head coach Melinda Portillo said. “That has been the goal this season and tonight we got one step closer.
“I am almost at a loss for words since it had never happened in the program’s history,” Portillo said. “I am very proud of this group. These girls play together like never before so if I knew that it was going to happen it would be this year. They are hungry and determined, especially coming out of COVID. They just want to come out here and give one hundred percent.”
Junior pitcher Serena Sanchez went the distance in the circle. Sanchez struck out four batters and gave up only three hits in seven innings of work. Laredo United’s Brianna Alvarado took the loss.
The Lady Panthers (4-3) banged out eight hits while Laredo United had three in seven innings. Laredo United South committed five errors and Laredo United had three.
Laredo United South was efficient at the plate with six players contributing on offense. Kassy Vasquez (2 for 4) collected a single in the opening inning to put a runner in scoring position. Ramirez (2 for 4) strolled to the plate and belted the first pitch over the left field fence for a two-run blast that gave the Lady Panthers a 2-0 lead.
Laredo United (1-6) utilized back-to-back hits - a double by Karina Mejia (2 for 4) and a triple by Gali Pena (1 for 3) - to cut the lead to 2-1 after one inning of play.
The Lady Panthers kept hitting in the second inning. Anahi Martinez started things off with a one-out single, followed by a Sanchez single that put runners at the corners.
A throwing error by Alvarado scored both Martinez and Sanchez’s courtesy runner to give the Lady Panthers a 5-1 lead.
Laredo United cut the lead to 5-2 on an RBI bunt by Kayla Robles that scored KK Cox in the second inning.
Ramirez scored Laredo United South's final run on an RBI single by Isabella Galicia.
Laredo United’s final run came in the sixth inning as Cox singled, stole second base and scored on a fielder’s choice to cut the deficit to 6-3.
PHOTO GALLERY
