Lyford ready for home game, chance to make third straight regional semi-final

lrgv softball27695 — Lyford softball team at Lower Valley media day in Brownsville Hanna. (Andre Cordero)

LYFORD — Lyford softball has a chance to return to the fourth round for the third straight season, but standing in its way is a team they have beaten the past two years in the third round, Corpus Christi London.

Lyford take on London in a three-game series with the first game at 6:30 p.m. today in Lyford, then on to Corpus Christi for the second game at 5 p.m. Friday and the third after in London.

The Bulldogs are eager to play one last home game as their chances of returning home are slim to none as the teams they might face will be further and further away.

“I’m excited,” senior Dakota Martinez said. “I want all of our Lyford staff to come out and support.”

Martinez and the Bulldogs had to overcome a matchup against Hebbronville in the second round with two late wins. Martinez leads Lyford in home runs with two.

Lyford’s ReAnn Rivera had the game-winning hit in the eighth inning of Game 2 and Gabriella Rodriguez scored it in the bottom of the eighth in Game 1.

“It was a lot of pressure,” Rodriguez said. “I just tried to think through everything Garza told me, put my cannon on the line and hit him right in the gut to get the RBI and the win.”

Rodriguez and Rivera have been the pitchers this season for head coach Albert Garza. Both will likely feature in the series and even every game.

“I feel good, I have a lot of team support that really helps me get through the games,” Rodriguez said.

Lyford’s Gabriella Rodriguez in the circle Friday night against Rio Hondo. (Andrew Cordero/Special to RGVSports)

Offensively, the Bulldogs are patient hitters and when they get on base, they are dangerous runners who can easily score from second base with hits.

Sophomore shortstop Danae Garcia went 2-for-3 with five walks and three runs scored against Hebbronville as the No. 2 hitter in the lineup.

“If we strike first, we can get the game back,” Garcia said before hitting an innocent bystander with a foul ball in practice Wednesday.

Garcia said it’s important to be aggressive on the bases, especially as the teams they face get stronger. Every race counts.

Lyford beat London 3-0 last season and 10-0 two seasons ago in the third round.