American falls in regional LL softball opener

ALBUQUERQUE — One bad inning did in the Clovis American Junior All-Stars on Saturday.

Texas East representative Sinton LL of Corpus Christi scored nine times in the top of the second and went on to a 10-0 first-round victory over American in the ages 13-14 Southwest Regional Little League softball tournament at Isleta Little League. The game was called after five innings on the 10-run rule.

Outside of that frame, Sinton managed only a fourth-inning run. Meantime, its pitcher held American to three singles, striking out four.

“We’ve had that problem (during tournament play),” American coach Kelly Tindle said. “We had an inning that we couldn’t overcome.”

Tindle said Sinton’s pitcher was probably the best his team has seen.

“She was a solid pitcher; she threw hard,” he said. “We hit the ball hard, but they were able to make the plays.”

Daisy Dodge went 2-for-2 for American, while Alyssa Cruz added the other hit. All were singles.

Kassadie Tindle, the coach’s daughter, handled five chances flawlessly at third base. He also said Dodge, the team’s catcher, made a couple of strong plays on defense.

“She had a great game today, both at the plate and behind the plate,” Tindle said.

American returns to action in the double-elimination event at 10 a.m. on Monday, facing the loser of a game between the Texas West representative and the host team, Albuquerque Westgate.