Mules vs. Roosevelt (4-1-2017)

Mules vs. Roosevelt (4-1-2017)

The Mules got their bats working early on a cold, windy morning in Acuff against the Roosevelt Eagles. The Mules batted around to score three runs in the top of the first inning. But the Eagles came swooping back in the lower half of the inning to answer with four runs and take the lead.

The Mules tied the game in the top of the second but could not score again until the top of the seventh. The Eagles led 12-4 at the time, and the three Mule runs were not enough. The Eagles won the game 12-7.

Jason Florez led off the game for the Mules and reached on an error by the Roosevelt shortstop. He stole second base and then went to third on a throwing error by the catcher. JoJo Rejino drew a one-out walk and stole second base.

A line drive double down the third base line by Ryan Rodriguez scored both Florez and Rejino. Rodriguez stole third base and walked home after Blake Parker was hit by a pitch, Rigo Mendoza walked to load the bases, and Kelan Florez walked to force Rodriguez home. The Mules led 3-0.

J. Florez dropped back on the outfield grass to catch a pop fly for the Eagles first out of the game. A hit batsman, a throwing error, a wild pitch and a single to left field scored the Eagle’s first run. Three more errors and a single scored two more Eagle runs. A single to left field scored the Eagles’ go-ahead run.

Reese Orozco struck out the final batter he faced in the inning. The Eagles led 4-3 after one inning.

Rejino reached on a two-out error by the Eagle second baseman. Rodriguez blasted a triple off the fence in right-center field to score Rejino and tie the game at 4-4.

The game stayed tied until the bottom of the fifth inning. Back-to-back fielding errors by the Mules and a ground ball single to right field scored two runs and put the Eagles on top for good. The Mules used a double play to end the inning. Ethan Villa snagged a line drive at second base and tossed to first to double off the runner.

The Mules did not score in the top of the sixth inning.

The Eagles added two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning before ground balls to J. Florez at shortstop accounted for two outs. An error allowed the Eagles an extra out, and they turned it into four runs for a 12-4 lead over the Mules.

Rodriguez went three-for-four at the plate with his third extra-base hit of the day. He doubled to the fence in centerfield to lead off the inning. Blake Parker singled to left field, and Jamie Ceja singled up the middle to score Rodriguez.

Villa singled to left center field to score Parker, and J. Florez brought Ceja home with a single to left center field. A double play ended the Mule threat after three runs.

The Mules hosted the Slaton Tigers Monday afternoon at 7:00 PM because of the District 2-3 A track meet on Tuesday. The Mules are scheduled to host the Idalou Wildcats on Saturday, April 8, at noon, but the game may be changed to Friday because of Region I UIL competition. Watch the Muleshoe Sports Network Facebook page for schedule changes.