Hernandez throws one-hitter at Alamo

Senior Josh Hernandez pitched a one-hit shutout and went 4 for 4 at the plate to lead the Los Lunas High School baseball team to an 8-0 victory at Alamogordo on Tuesday.

Hernandez struck out 14 to shut down last year’s District 3-4A champions and keep Los Lunas on top of the district standings at the halfway mark.

With the win, Los Lunas improved to 5-1 in district play. The Tigers (11-5 overall) are a half game ahead of Las Cruces Mayfield (5-2, 11-4). Alamogordo fell to 2-4, 6-10.

While Alamogordo had trouble putting the ball in play against Hernandez, Los Lunas feasted on Alamogordo’s pitching, pounding out 19 hits.

Alamo starter Kevin Jewell kept Los Lunas from scoring through the first two frames, but the visitors tagged him for four runs in the third. Los Lunas added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings to win going away.

In addition to Hernandez, Carlos Castillo was perfect at the plate, going 3 for 3 with a home run and three RBIs. Seniors Travis Ferrel and J.D. Garcia had three hits apiece.

Los Lunas has won eight of its last nine games, averaging 11.78 runs per game over the stretch.

Los Lunas continues its run for a district title on Tuesday when it entertains Las Cruces High (2-5, 7-9) at 4 p.m.