Luling edges Lady ’Stangs, 4-1

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LULING – It was one of the better games the Nixon-Smiley softball team played this season.

The Lady Mustangs committed just one error, and only struck out twice at the plate. But the bats were held in check as Nixon-Smiley managed just one run on four hits in a 4-1 loss to Luling Tuesday at Luling.

“This was our best defensive game all year,” Lady Mustangs’ coach John Hilsberg said. “We only made one error, we backed each other up on defense and we got outs when we needed them. We were competitive and our pitching and defense did an excellent job of giving ourselves a chance to win.”

Nixon-Smiley (2-9, 0-2 in District 29-2A) had a solid outing in the pitcher’s circle from Mikayla Vasquez, who limited Luling’s chances at the plate. The Lady Eagles, however, found a way to manufacture runs as they scored one run in each of the first four innings to build a 4-0 lead.

The Lady Mustangs scored their run in the top of the fifth. Brittany Pena drew a walk to lead off the frame before scoring on a fielder’s choice from Alena Alvarez three batters later.

Pena moved to second when Miranda Carillo was hit by a pitch and third on a D’Laine Palacio single before scoring on Alvarez’s fielder’s choice. Despite holding Luling scoreless on its final two at-bats, Nixon-Smiley did not score again.

Alvarez was 1-for-4 with an RBI to lead the Lady Mustangs. Palacio, Whitney Gonzales and Jordan Newman also had hits, and Pena drew a walk on her only plate appearance before scoring her team’s only run.

“We’re getting better,” Hilsberg said. “We can play with anyone in this district. If we don’t make the playoffs, it’s on us.”

Nixon-Smiley hits the road to take on Brooks Academy at 4:30 p.m. today.

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