Belen Eagles fall in softball showdown with St. Pius X

BELEN — Advantage Sartans — for now.

Belen and St. Pius, the two preseason softball favorites in District 5-4A, clashed Monday for the first time this season, with the Sartans rallying for a dramatic 9-6 victory.

The Sartans scored five times in the seventh inning to pull out the win.

There were four lead changes, with BHS moving in front 6-4 after a two-run sixth inning. However, the Eagles didn’t stay in front long, with Lilee Zarate hitting her second home run of the game in the seventh inning to complete the St. Pius comeback.

“We just haven’t been playing good solid softball all season,” said Oscar Medrano, Belen coach. “Too many errors, mental mistakes — not enough discipline at the plate.”

Despite the loss, Medrano said Lorissa Scott pitched well.

The two teams play again April 16. Last season, the rivalry heated up, with St. Pius and Belen tying for the district title. Later, the Sartans eliminated BHS at the state tournament, 11-9 in eight innings.

St. Pius had a quick turnaround Tuesday, posting a 19-9 victory at Valencia (4-11, 1-1). Cambria Garley had three hits for the Jaguars, while Rosalyn Rael added a pair of run-scoring doubles.

Los Lunas (13-6, 2-1) mercy-ruled Rio Grande 15-0 in District 5-5A.

Thursday, VHS hosts Highland, while BHS is at Grants. Friday, LLHS is at Albuquerque High.