Robstown hasn’t had much luck against Calallen recently, but that could start to change on Tuesday. The Cottonpickers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Wildcats at 6:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Robstown barely beat Port Isabel the last time the pair played, but that sure wasn’t the case this time around. The Cottonpickers never let the Tarpons get on the board and left with a 9-0 victory on Thursday.
Kayleigh Espinoza
04/02/26 vs Port Isabel1702/12/26 vs Alice1003/24/26 vs Tuloso-Midway802/27/26 vs Turner802/26/26 vs Liberal Arts & Science Academy – Austin7
Kayleigh Espinoza made a big impact no matter where she played. She didn’t allow a single earned run and allowed only two hits while striking out 17 over seven innings pitched. Those 17 strikeouts gave her a new career-high. She was also stellar in the batter’s box, going 3-for-4 with one home run, four RBI, and two runs. That home run marked the first that she has launched this season.
In other batting news, Yadi Rodriguez was incredible, going 3-for-4 with two triples, three runs, and one stolen base. That’s the most runs she has posted since back in February. Danyel Castillo also deserves some recognition as she snagged her first stolen base of the season.
Robstown kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They are a perfect 7-0 when they post 11 or more hits.
Meanwhile, Calallen’s rock-solid pitcher showed up for the team’s fourth consecutive shutout on Thursday. They were the clear victors by a 22-0 margin over Zapata. The Wildcats haven’t had any issues with the Hawks recently, as the game was their ninth consecutive win against them.
Jordyn Thibodeaux was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only two hits while striking out nine over five innings pitched. She has been nothing but reliable: she hasn’t given up more than two walks in ten consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, getting on base in four of her five plate appearances with one home run and two RBI.
In other batting news, Braelyn Bailey and Audryna Almaraz did most of the damage at the plate: Bailey fired off two home runs, eight RBI, and three runs while going 4-for-5, while Almaraz fired off two home runs, five RBI, and one triple while going 4-for-5. Kristin Leal was another key player, getting on base in all five of her plate appearances with five runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
Calallen’s victory bumped their record up to 20-8-2. As for Robstown, their win bumped their record up to 15-13-1.
Tuesday’s matchup will be a test for both teams’ pitchers. Robstown hasn’t had any issues making contact this season, having earned a batting average of .338. However, it’s not like Calallen struggles in that department as they’ve averaged .394. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Robstown might still be hurting after the 22-0 loss they got from Calallen in their previous matchup two weeks ago. Will the Cottonpickers have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other softball content.