ALAMOSA – The Alamosa High School softball team opened the 2022 season in fine style as the Lady Mean Moose defeated Durango 13-4 Friday at the Lee Field Complex.

“We needed it,” said Alamosa coach Dominic Lomeli. “The girls came out confident. That’s a very good Durango team. We’re both young and we have some minor things to fix. But overall, I’m pretty happy to start the season.”

The Lady Demons struck first blood in the game by scoring a run in the top of the first inning. Alaysia Kremer was safe on an error and she took second on the play. She came home on Molly Best’s sacrifice fly.

The Lady Moose countered with three runs in their half of the inning. Amaya Garcia drew a leadoff walk and Kaycee Hillis followed with a single. Miranda Geringer then walked to load the bases, and Caitlyn Creel, who was courtesy-running for Garcia, scored as Lexi Heredia reached on an outfield error.

Gabby Castillo, who was courtesy-running for Hillis, scored on a wild pitch to put Alamosa in front at 2-1. Addie McCarroll walked to again fill the sacks, and Geringer scored on Alicia Rios’ pop-up.

Durango tied the score in the top of the second. Genesis Barrera drew a walk, and then Kremer hit an inside-the-park home run to deadlock the score at 3-3.

Alamosa scored two runs of its own in the bottom of the frame. Araceli Molina led off with a bunt single, and Garcia also singled. Molina scored as Geringer was safe on a fielder’s choice. Geringer was caught stealing, but Creel scored on the play for a 5-3 Mean Moose lead.

Alamosa put two more runs on the board in the fourth. Molina drew a leadoff walk and Garcia also received a base on balls. Molina came home on an error, and Shea Jordan, who was courtesy-running for Garcia, came home on Geringer’s pop-up.

The Lady Demons scored one run in the top of the fifth. Best was safe on an error and she came all the way around to score on Mya Trujillo’s double.

The Lady Mean Moose put the game on ice in the bottom of the fifth. Creel led off by getting hit by a pitch, and Molina was safe on an outfield error. Garcia singled home Creel, and Hillis drove home Moline to increase the lead to 9-4.

Heredia had an infield single, and Brooke Gonzales also singled. Castillo, however, was out at the plate.

McCarroll also had an infield single to load the bases, and Rios singled home Heredia. Creel then singled to plate Gonzales and McCarroll to end the game on the eight-run rule.

Garcia went the distance as the Lady Mean Moose’s pitcher and she earned the win. She allowed four runs and three hits, and she also struck out three and walked five.

Alamosa scattered 11 hits and it was led by Garcia who went 2-2 with one RBI, Gonzales who went 2-3, and Hillis who went 2-4 with one RBI.

“Talent-wise we’re a level above previous teams and confident we’re miles ahead,” Lomeli said. “So I think the confidence should do us very well this season.”

Alamosa (1-0) will travel to Kersey next weekend for the Platte Valley Invitational. On Friday, the Lady Mean Moose will play Wray and The Academy, and on Saturday, they will play Platte Valley and Holyoke.

“We have four games against some tough opponents,” Lomeli said. “I think we play two Top 10 opponents so we’ll get tested a little bit.”

Alamosa 13, Durango 4

Durango             120   01 –   4    3   3

Alamosa             320   26 – 13  11   3

Arthur (L), Pargin (4) and Kremer. Garcia (W) and Hillis. HR – D: Kremer (2nd inn., 1 on, 2 out).