LYFORD — Over the course of the playoffs, pitching plays an important role in a team’s march through the postseason. Having a one-two punch in softball can provide fits for an opposing offense.
Such is the case for the Lyford Lady Bulldogs, whose solid pitching has helped the Lady Dogs to a district and bi-district title so far.
Lyford will look to their duo in junior Evelyn Ortiz and freshman Jerrica Rojas as it has a date with Goliad in a Class 3A area-round series. Game 1 is at 5 this evening at Freer High School. Game 2 gets underway at 2 p.m. at Alice High School and Game 3, if needed, will follow 30 minutes after Game 2.
The underclassmen tag team of Ortiz and Rojas has been one to be reckoned with. Ortiz struck out 13 batters in a complete-game effort in Game 1 of the Lady Dogs’ bi-district series against Corpus Christi London last week. Meanwhile, the youngster Rojas fanned eight in a Game 2 win, sealing the bi-district title. Both combined for 24 strikeouts in the two games.
Ortiz is in her second year on the varsity squad while Rojas is only a freshman but playing at a high level.
“I’ve been playing since I was 3 years old so when I go out there it’s nothing new to me” said Rojas. “Playing at the varsity level has been a blessing. I have learned a lot, but at the same time I just go out there and play my game.”
As for Ortiz, she has pitched 57 innings – one more than Rojas. She leads the team in wins with a 9-5 record with 66 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.57. Rojas, on the other hand, boasts a 7-1 record to go with a jaw-dropping 81 Ks in 56 innings of work and a dazzling 1.50 ERA.
“I have plenty of pitches that I like to use to keep hitters off balance,” said Ortiz. “My go-to pitch is my curve. I’ll lean on that most of the time. It feels great to be here (in the playoffs) and getting this experience with this team is fun. It’s been a great ride so far.”
Game 1 will go to Ortiz and Rojas will toe the rubber in Game 2.
Lyford is looking for its first area title under four-year coach Joey Rios.
“Pitching will take you a long way, and Jerrica and Evelyn have done a great job for us,” said Rios. “The one-two punch is dangerous and we take pride in that because the girls have worked so hard. Offensively, we want to make the pitcher work and be selective.”
