Carlsbad sweeps 'Cats

CARLSBAD — With four games left in the regular season the Carlsbad Cavegirls showed why they are one of the top teams in the state with a season sweep against the Clovis Lady Wildcats in two run-ruled games, 10-0 and 12-0.

Just like in the first two games of the series, Carlsbad scored early and often, never allowing Clovis to reach second base when the Wildcats batted and allowing its two pitchers to pick up 17 combined strikeouts in 10 total innings.

After Ashley Hernandez threw a perfect game last week, teammate Brianna Santo came dangerously close to repeating the rare feat in Game 1, retiring the first 14 batters she faced. Down to its last chance, Bryana Gallagher came through for Clovis, connecting on a straight shot to centerfield that Cavegirl Gabby Aragon was unable to snatch as a flyout.

Santo would retire the next batter, giving Carlsbad the third win of the series. John Tiggert gave the ball to Ashley Hernandez in Game 2 and she was just as dominant as Santo. The pitching duo combined for two hits allowed and 17 strikeouts (Hernandez nine , Santo eight) with no walks or runs.

Clovis has lost one game to Hobbs by one run and one game to Roswell by one run,” Carlsbad coach John Tiggert said. “So they’re getting better. Last year we were beating them 16-0 in the first inning with no outs. I told (the team) to just score a bunch of runs early and then (our pitchers) will shut them down. We know how good we’re supposed to be.

Breena Aragon was 2-for-3 in both games. She finished with four hits, one double, scoring three runs herself and adding three RBIs.

Jaden Hernandez had two RBIs in Game 1 to lead the Cavegirls. The three Aragons: Jona, Breena and Gabby each had two RBIs in Game 2.

Next up, Carlsbad travels to Roswell to face the Lady Coyotes while Clovis travels to Hobbs. Both series take place Tuesday with a 5 p.m. start.