MARFA — The Lady Horns took down Van Horn in game one of Monday’s softball doubleheader to get a share of the district title in the district finale as they move on to the state playoffs beginning Thursday. The one-run victory, 22-21, developed over a nearly four-hour time frame, with both teams getting their bats going at different stages of the game while also falling victim to several errors throughout the seven-inning slug-fest.
Marfa found themselves down after five innings of play, with the error bug making an appearance for the Horns, leading to an 8-17 run deficit. Fortunately for the home crowd, their team was up for the challenge. Marfa’s first through ninth batters found themselves on base the full order with an insurmountable rally. Lead-off batter and pitcher, Ava Flores (6/7), got on base to put the pressure on the Eagles, followed by Zoe Salgado (5/7), and Raven Martinez (7/7). With the top of the line-up doing their part, Madison Cash in the clean-up position plated three runs with a shot to right field to cut into Van Horn’s lead. Jack Marquez (3/7), Giselle Torres (4/7), Amaya Gomez (6/7), Loretta Rivera (4/7), and Fernanda Rivera (4/7), all got on base and scored to help Marfa battle their way back from the nine-run deficit and take a one-run lead.
Van Horn did not falter and scored an inside-the-park homerun on two Shorthorn errors before Marfa recorded the final out to set the dramatic stage for the start of the bottom of the seventh inning. With one out, Ava Flores drew the walk and stole around the bases to third while sharply speeding past the catcher while the pitcher’s back was turned and dove face first to home plate to give Marfa the one-run victory! With the crowd going wild, the Horns celebrated the win and soon after celebrated and recognized their senior players, Fernanda Rivera and Jack Annalise Marquez, and their parents for senior night recognition.
Marfa now heads to playoffs against Menard at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at McCamey.