All systems go as Mustangs nip top-ranked Palo Verde

Fifteen minutes before Tuesday’s game, Shadow Ridge softball coach Julia Meyn was antsy.

“We want to hit,” Meyn said. “Let’s start now. We’re ready.”

She said nothing of her team’s defense, though that also proved to be ready to go.

The second-ranked Mustangs turned three double plays in the first four innings and pounded 11 hits to nip top-ranked and visiting Palo Verde 4-3 in a battle for first place in the Division I Sunset League.

“They were just anxious to hit,” Meyn said. “We were trying to keep them calm in the box. They were just ready to hit today.”

Though the Panthers started quickly with two runs in the first inning, Shadow Ridge came out swinging, collecting seven hits in the first three innings and tying the game 2-2 on Samaiya Montgomery’s bases-loaded single to left with two outs in the third.

The Mustangs’ defense kept Palo Verde at bay, turning double plays in the first, second and fourth innings. Shadow Ridge third baseman Caitlyn Covington made two nifty plays on pop-ups, snaring one just behind third base after losing the ball in the high sky and another in foul territory, a half-step from the fence.

Shadow Ridge (22-5, 12-2 Sunset) didn’t commit an error.

“They work hard on defense,” Meyn said. “We’re not one of those teams that just works hitting one day and defense another day. We work on hitting and defense every day of the week. It’s not just the bats. You have to work hard at it.”

Shadow Ridge finally took the lead in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Shea Clements.

Palo Verde (21-6-1, 11-3) drew two consecutive walks to start the sixth, but Mustangs pitcher Shelbi Denman worked out of serious trouble, allowing only one run and stranding the potential tying run in scoring position before retiring the side in order in the seventh.

The Mustangs have a one-game edge over Palo Verde and a two-game lead over Arbor View with four games remaining in the league season. Arbor View (11-3) still has a game remaining with both the Panthers and Mustangs.

“This game was more important than anything,” Meyn said. “We know they’re solid ballplayers, and they have great coaching. To come out and be able to run with them and beat them, that’s just my kids playing harder and wanting it more.”

Contact reporter Bartt Davis at bdavis@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5230.