Mavs slow pitch remains undefeated

MOSES LAKE – On Thursday, the Mavericks (10-0) took care of business after having to pivot and move their game to home field due to air quality. They swept the Wenatchee Panthers 14-2 and 19-3 in doubleheader action.   

“I feel like it's becoming more of a regular thing in the fall, the girl's kind of knew might happen, because they're checking the air quality, so it didn't shock anybody when it happened,” Mavs Head Coach Mike Hofheins said.   

In game one, the Mavericks would take an early lead with four runs in the top of the first inning. Through the top of the sixth inning, the Mavs would build on their lead to make it 11-0.   

The Panthers got on the scoreboard with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. After three runs in the top of the seventh inning to make it 14-2, the Mavericks sealed their win after forcing three outs in the bottom of the inning.   

Throughout the game, the Panthers had spurts of momentum that got players on base, but the Mavericks' defense held up to force outs. Hofheins liked what he saw from his defense on Thursday.   

“There were a few innings there where they seemed to get some boots on, and our defense really kind of helped us out. I think we turned four or five double plays, a handful of forced outs from the outfield to the infield, which is inherited by our outfielders, just charging the ball and knowing the situation, super pleased with our defense,” he said.   

The Mavericks were balanced on offense with multiple players contributing to their success. In addition to Avery Getzinger’s two double plays, Aliana Deleon, Hayden Morris and Lila Johnson also recorded double plays of their own. Morris also hit two home runs against the Panthers in game one.   

In game two, the Mavericks would ride their momentum from the first game into a 9-0 start at the top of the first inning.   

“I really liked how we jumped out,” Hofheins said. “It's weird being the visiting team at your home ballpark, but one thing in slow pitch is when you are the visitor, and you get the opportunity to score first, and you score a bunch, momentum is a big deal in sports, you have that opportunity to really grab momentum and keep it.”   

Through the second and third innings, the Mavericks outscored the Panthers 5-3, increasing their lead to 14-3. Both teams went scoreless in the fourth inning before the Mavericks sealed their 19-3 victory with five more runs in the top of the fifth inning.   

Morris continued to shine in game two. In addition to another home run, she also recorded two triple plays. Across both games, she earned nine RBIs. Hofheins has praised Morris for her leadership with the Mavericks and said the team feeds off her.   

“When Hayden performs, and she brings everybody up with her, so that's always nice to see. She took a hard ball off her face and stayed in the game and showed a little bit of toughness and I think that the girls rallied around that too,” Hofheins said.   

Mya Martinez and Deleon made their presence known, too. Martinez had a double and triple play to go with her home run. Deleon had two double plays and three RBIs to aid the Mavericks to victory in game two.   

The Mavericks stay undefeated, and Hofheins remains focused on the challenges that still lie ahead. Being undefeated is something Hofheins and the Mavs expect, given their aspirations for a league title.   

“The challenging teams are up in front of us, so we're taking care of business against the teams that we should take care of business. We just got to keep improving, because in the next two weeks, the competition is going to get tighter,” Hofheins said.   

Hofheins said his team will look to be more consistent on offense. He is also hoping to sharpen his pitching and base running. With a challenging slate of games over the next couple of weeks, the opportunity to improve is there.   

Hofheins said his players have shown a mature approach to their training this season. Even with some that play fastpitch on the weekends, they have worked through any fatigue to remain efficient, he said. The seniors have also invested their time in helping the younger players on the team develop.   

“I've really been pleased with how they've brought up the younger kids, coaching them up, words of encouragement, and embracing them,” Hofheins said.   

The Mavericks will host Davis on Tuesday in a doubleheader starting at 3:30 p.m.  

BOX SCORE:   

Game one:  

MLHS: 4-0-1-1-2-3-3: 14
WNTC: 0-0-0-0-0-2-0: 2  

Game Two:   

MLHS: 9-1-4-0-5: 19
WNTC: 0-1-2-0-0: 3 

    Anisa Valdez (32) pitches for the Mavericks in their doubleheader against the Wenatchee Panthers. Head Coach Mike Hofheins praised his players for their defensive efforts on Thursday.
  

    Hayden Morris (2) waits for Wenatchee’s next at bat in their doubleheader on Thursday. Morris recorded two doubles, two triples and three home runs across both games.
  

    The Mavericks Samantha Kling (4) takes a swing at bat against the Wenatchee Panthers. Kling had four RBIs across both games against the Panthers.
  

    Avery Getzinger (15) awaits a pass from Anisa Valdez (32) to force an out on a Wenatchee batter. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said his team did a good job of jumping out with a lead early on and maintaining momentum throughout each game.
  

    Samantha Kling (4) throws to first base after a Wenatchee batter hit a line drive to her. Head Coach Mike Hofheins said the Mavericks toughest challenges still lie ahead as the regular season has crossed the halfway mark.