RIO HONDO — In softball, the chemistry between a pitcher and catcher is important.
The catcher knows what the best pitch the pitcher should throw is and when to throw it.
But in the case of Rio Hondo’s Annie and Abbie Alvarado, it’s more than just chemistry, it’s a special bond.
Annie and Abbie were born Jan. 17, 2000 in Harlingen, but have grown up in Rio Hondo their entire lives.
Annie is the older sister, born just one minute ahead of Abbie. The twins have played softball since they were 4 years old and haven’t stopped since.
“Growing up it was always her and I,” said Annie. “After playing Little League and travel ball, we were ready to play together at the varsity level. It means a lot for us to play for Rio Hondo since this is where we grew up and it’s home for us.”
This past weekend the Lady Cats advanced to the Region IV-4A final after beating Wimberley in a thrilling region semifinal series.
The Lady Cats overcame a pair of extra-inning games and a weather delay, but the turning point in the series came when coach Brett Esparza turned to Annie to pitch in a decisive Game 3.
“We knew we had a fresh arm in Annie,” said Esparza. “We had total faith in her to go out there and get the job done. After the coaches and I talked, we knew having Abbie behind the plate would motivate her (Annie).”
Game 3 was certainly special for the Alvarado family. With Rio Hondo’s season on the line, Annie toed the rubber while Abbie took her spot behind the dish. The chemistry between the two was on full display.
“It meant a lot to me, being able to catch my sister in Game 3,” said Abbie. “It was a great moment for us. It’s one of those moments that we will talk about for a long time. One day we will look back and be able to say we were there for each other and our team.”
The Alvarado duo indeed helped guide the Lady Cats. Annie checked in a complete-game effort while Abbie wound up catching all 32 innings played over the three-game series. Meanwhile Annie’s complete game was the first complete game of the season.
“I was ready to come in and pitch. I told Miranda (Martinez) and Jenny (Flores) it was my turn to get a win,” said Annie.
The work doesn’t stop for the twins when they leave campus as they continue their work at home.
Their father, Chevo, is a part of the coaching staff at Rio Hondo and has also played a major role in their success.
“He is the reason why we are here,” said Annie of her father. “He motivates us and helps us get better each day, and having him here with us means the world to us.”
“As far as we go, we always push each other and get on each other,” Abbie said. “If I see Annie isn’t pitching right, I’ll get on her and tell her to do it this way or that. At the end of the day we know we are there for each other and we are ready for the next challenge with our team.”
