Medina, Mullen move to 2-0

By Neil H. Devlin, Mullen Sports Information Director
'Stangs outslug Thomas Jefferson 12-8 in 4A nonleaguer; game occurs despite deluge of rain; Coach Atencio grateful for all who pitched in and made it happen.
 
For Mullen softball on Thursday, it was all Colorado.

After a scorching run of hot, dry temperatures across the state, a veritable deluge of serious rainfall in late afternoon pelted Santo “Doc” Scavuzzo Field, particularly the infield that was under water for several minutes.

However, after a 52-minute delay and a team effort by contributors, the game went on and Mullen downed visiting Thomas Jefferson 12-8 in Class 4A nonleague play.

The Mustangs are 2-0 for the first time since 2016 … and the work that prepared the field can’t be under-estimated.

“I really didn’t think we would play,” Mustangs head coach Dave Atencio said. “When it stopped, this (field) was a quagmire. It was horrendous (behind home plate). But through efforts from our parents, players and coaching staff, we poured kitty litter on it and guess what – it became a playable field.”

And it led to a second Mullen victory.

Offensively, the Mustangs followed with a second five-run first inning, recorded 15 hits and came from behind for a second straight game.

“They showed resiliency and they took care of business,” Atencio said of his players.

In the pitching circle, junior Ona Medina was hit around a bit and the Mustangs were guilty of a half-dozen errors behind her, but they played well with the lead and made a move toward securing pitching depth.

“We’re going to need her,” Atencio said.

Said Medina of her pitching victory: “it was great, an amazing experience, that’s for sure.”

Sophomore Avery Walters was 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Medina, who bats cleanup, had three hits with an RBI and two runs. Freshman Cadence Hurtado drove home four runs and belted her first career home run, a two-run shot in the fourth. Elizabeth Brady had three RBIs and Bella Aragon had two hits, walked and stole three bases.

“The kids continue to get experience and that’s what you want,” Atencio said.

Next for Mullen is a nonleaguer at home on Saturday against Pueblo West, first pitch at 11 a.m.

Said Medina: “It’s going to be a great season.”
 
MULLEN 12, THOMAS JEFFERSON 8

Thomas Jefferson 310 010 3  --  8 10  1

Mullen 513 300 x  --  12 15  6

Mullen – Aragon cf 3-2-2-0, Stewart ss 3-1-1-0, Brady 3b 3-1-2-3, Medina p 4-2-3-1, Walters 2b 4-3-4-2, Margeson lf 2-0-0-0, Newman lf 1-0-0-0, Gutierrez c 2-0-1-0, Hurtado 1b 4-2-1-4, Holz rf 4-0-1-1, Linares cr 0-1-0-0. Totals 30-12-15-11.

E – Margeson 2, Stewart 2, Gutierrez, Hurtado. SAC – Margeson, Hurtado, Holz, SF – Brady. SB – Arahon 3, Holz 2, Linares, Walters. CS – Medina. LOB – 6. 2B – Medina 2, Brady 2, Walters 2. HR – Hurtado, 1 on in 4th. BB – Gutierrez 2, Aragon, Stewart.

Pitching – Medina (W) 7 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K’s.

T – 2:04.
Back