The Winslow Lady Bulldogs edged the Lady Longhorns 6-4 in a softball game played at Payson last Thursday. The win was Winslow’s third in as many outings, but was the first closely contested game as the other two ended due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Payson drew first blood with two runs in the bottom of the first inning. A single and two errors accounted for the scoring.
Winslow cut the lead to 2-1 in the top of the second inning on a double by Becca Perez, singles by Megan Lymer and Kelley Pugh, and a run scoring ground out by Jaleisa Hayes. The Lady Bulldogs then took a 4-2 lead in the top of the third on a single by Melissa Jacobs, a walk, an RBI fielder’s choice by Pugh, a two-RBI double by Jaleisa Hayes and a single by Arianna Huerta.
Payson cut the margin to 4-3 in the bottom of third on a triple and a double, but the Lady Bulldogs increased their lead to 6-3 in the top of the fourth on singles by Mireya Ulibarri and Halle Hayes, and a double by Perez. The Lady Longhorns scored the last run of the game in the bottom of the fourth on a single and an error.
Halle Hayes got the win in relief of Pugh. Pugh worked 21/3 innings, giving up three runs, two of which were earned, on three hits and a walk. Hayes worked 42/3 innings, and gave up one run on four hits and two walks.
Perez led Winslow at the plate with two doubles in three trips and two RBIs. Jaleisa Hayes was one for two with a double and three RBIs. Pugh was also one for two with an RBI. Jacobs was two for five with a double. Huerta and Lymer were one for three. Ulibarri and Gabby Stacey were one for four. Halley Hayes was one for five.
The Lady Bulldogs were slated to play at Chinle on Tuesday, and will participate in the Payson Invitational Tournament on Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19.
