WESLACO — PSJA High began Game 2 of its Region IV-6A best-of-three bi-district playoff series with a two-run home run during the top of the first to take an early lead over Weslaco High on Friday.
The Panthers weren’t phased, however.
Weslaco (28-12, 12-2) answered with four home runs, including three during the bottom of the third inning, to run away with an 18-2 win in five innings over the Bears. The Panthers swept the postseason series after winning Game 1, 6-1, on Thursday in San Juan. Weslaco advances to face San Antonio Holmes. Game details have yet to be determined.
“What I saw from my girls is, they didn’t flinch. They settled down and were able to get some runs on the board,” Weslaco head coach Mario Rodriguez said. “This group of girls has been battle-tested. We come from probably one of the toughest districts inthe Valley, so I’m just proud of the effort they put into this game today.”
Romy Nuñez provided Weslaco’s first home run with a two-run shot during the bottom of the first, putting the Panthers ahead 4-2 after RBIs from Jules Garcia and Katia Reyes.
During the third, Weslaco showed off even more power. The Panthers sent 13 batters to the plate and were rewarded with three home runs. Reyes hit a three-run bomb, while teammate Lexie Escamilla delivered a three-run and two-run homer, respectively, giving Weslaco High a 18-2 lead after three innings. The Panthers scored 18 runs on 17 hits.
“My first at-bat, I felt it right off the bat,” Escamilla said. “When I went up again, my teammates told me, ‘Do it again.’ I was like ‘Um, OK, I’ll try.’ I told myself in the batter’s box, ‘You’re going to hit a home run right here.’ I just saw it and I took it.”
Weslaco pitchers Julie Rodriguez and Reyes combined to shut down the PSJA offense, surrendering two runs on just three hits across five innings.
“I think it was about time we finally put a complete game together — offense, defense and pitching,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve worked hard. The girls have put a lot of work into this all year long and it’s nice to see all the work is finally paying off.”
PSJA third baseman Madison Lopez provided the only offense for her team with the two-run shot during the first.
The Bears finish the year 22-15 overall and 10-7 in District 31-6A.
