By Brian Argabright
Del Rio’s return to its home softball field was a success.
Behind a strong showing by starting pitcher Jada Bishop, the Queens opened District 30-6A play with a 4-1 win over Laredo LBJ Tuesday evening at the Queens Softball Field.
It was the first high school softball game played in Del Rio since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
Bishop, who had zero varsity pitching experience before this season, gave up only an infield single in the fourth inning and a double in the seventh inning as she earned a complete-game win. She did not allow an earned run as the Lady Wolves’ sole tally reached base due to an error.
The Queens had seven hits as a team with most of those coming in the bottom of the second inning. Del Rio scored all four of its runs in the inning, sending nine batters to the plate before the final out was recorded.
Giselle Valdez led the inning off with a walk. Bishop then ripped a double to left centerfield to score Valdez and give the Queens a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Syann Casillas reached base on an infield single, driving in Bishop for a 2-0 advantage,
Ari Alcaraz was next up and she zipped a double down the right field line to bring home Casillas and put Del Rio ahead 3-0. Desi Rodriguez followed with a single to left to plate Alcaraz and stake the Queens to a 4-0 lead.
The Queens managed just three more hits over the next four innings, but the team’s strong defense made the lead stick.
Alcaraz finished the game 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Valdez and Hope Martinez also had hits for Del Rio.
Del Rio returns to action Friday as the Queens travel to Laredo to face the United Lady Longhorns at 5 p.m.
The Queens’ next home game will be Monday, March 15, at 1 p.m. against the Laredo Nixon Lady Mustangs.
