HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL: Permian stays perfect, defeats rival Odessa High, 5-4, in extra innings

With cross-town rivals clashing in a marquee game, it was expected to be a tight battle.

Behind a solo home run by Shadie Davis in the top of the eighth inning, the Permian Lady Panthers held on to defeat the Odessa High Lady Bronchos, 5-4, in eight innings Wednesday evening at the Ratliff Softball Complex.

The game had been postponed during the third inning Tuesday after multiple lightning delays.

Permian (23-0 overall, 5-0 District 2-6A) keeps its perfect record alive. It came down to clutch moments, and Permian was able to execute when they needed it the most.

Both teams had the tough task of trying to reset after the postponement.

“Actually, that kind of put us on top with just being able to reset,” Permian head coach Kristin Williams said. “They’re a great team, so in order to keep the momentum going we had to make sure we understood (with) runners at second and third what play we were in.

“We did execute, so I was really proud. We always teach the kids to never give up and to play as a team. They’ve done it all year … 23-0 proves it for them.”

The Lady Bronchos (18-4-1, 3-2) took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the second on Tuesday after Skylar Herrera hit a two-RBI single and Noeli Suarez delivered a solo home run.

Permian answered back in the top of the third by tying the game, even though it took about 22 hours to do so. Odessa High committed two crucial errors that allowed Permian to make something happen.

Davis drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, while Rylee Day tallied an RBI groundout to highlight the rally. Permian also scored a run on a throwing error by the Odessa High third baseman.

With the game tied 3-3 in the bottom of the fourth, Abigale Rayos hit a leadoff solo home run to give the Lady Bronchos the lead.

Permian only had one hit, while leaving two runners stranded over the next three innings.

Odessa High had a golden opportunity to add some more runs in the bottom of the sixth, however, Permian worked out of a jam and the Lady Bronchos left runners stranded at first and second.

Hannah Banker came up clutch for Permian with a solo home run that tied up the game in the top of the seventh.

The Lady Bronchos had a chance to win the game with a walk-off double, but Alyssa Deanda was thrown out at the plate by Permian center fielder Kameron Martinez.

Davis then delivered the leadoff home run, which proved to be the game-winner for the Lady Panthers.

Permian was held to five hits. Alexis Morales finished 2 for 3 with two singles, while Davis and Banker each went 1 for 4 with a solo home run and one RBI.

Aliyah Lara finished 1 for 4 with a single.

In the circle, Morales threw a complete-game 10-hitter with nine strikeouts.

Rayos led Odessa High, going 3 for 4 with two singles, a home run and an RBI. Kaylean Ayala finished 3 for 3 with three singles.

Suarez went 1 for 3 with a home run, a walk and an RBI.

Sierra Camacho suffered the loss after throwing a complete game with one strikeout, allowing just two earned runs. At the plate, Camacho finished 1 for 3 with a double and a walk.

Odessa High proved a lot by being able to compete with the fourth-ranked team in the state. The game could have gone either way.

“They’re obviously a really good team. They got the hits when they needed it, they did a good job and they’re well-coached,” Odessa High head coach Rachel Pena said. “I feel that way about everybody in our district.

“I’m proud of my kids. I thought we did a lot of good things. Just a few missed pitches and the ball bounces our way. I think that we showed a lot of fight and a lot of grit, and a lot of guts. That’s what we’re going to need for the second half.”

>>Follow Peter Dindinger on Twitter @OA_PDindinger