Allison Row
ASU Student Journalist

Chargers break through with big hits late in game for win

March 5, 2020 by Allison Row, Arizona State University


McClintock freshman pitcher Dionna Doral on the mound against the Paradise Valley Trojans. Photo: Allison Row/ AZPreps365.com

TEMPE, Ariz. – With momentum on their side, the McClintock Chargers held the Trojans to one run after putting up five late in Thursday's game for a 7-5 victory.

The fifth inning was a turning point after a back-and-forth game, when sophomore Jordan Ayala hit a double that brought in two runners. She was then brought home as well to take a 5-4 lead.

“I was not going to lose to this team. I looked at the scoreboard and thought, there’s two runs, there are two runners on base and I’m going in,” said Ayala. “Myranda, ahead of me, went in with the mentality of ‘I am going to hit a bomb’, and I wanted to have that same mentality. So, I went out there with that same energy and let go of being too stressed out about hitting it, and I just swung.”

Thursday’s game was also highlighted by a strong performance by freshman pitcher Dionna Doral, who has primarily taken over on the mound as Ayala slowsly recovers from an ankle injury.

Doral, who logged 13 strikeouts against the Trojans, continues to develop on the mound and is proving to be a young weapon for McClintock.

“I make sure that I throw a lot and work on game situations,” said Doral. “If I just threw a ball, I make sure I know what pitch I should be focusing on next, also knowing what I should be throwing to different types of hitters or if they are standing in a certain place in the box what I should do.”

The defense made improvements after cleaning up catches and throwing at practice the day before, but offense remains a major focus for the Chargers to refine.

“We need to be more disciplined on what we choose to swing at. There are a lot of times where we swing at pitches that would’ve been ball four,” said Ayala. “Also, just going into the box with having a mentality of, 'I'm going to hit it and move the runner,’ instead of just hoping to hit it.”

The Chargers are aware they will face tough matchups against region opponents, and are learning that success will come from being exceptional, instead of just getting by.

“We struggled early with their pitching. She was locating and we were chasing and swinging at balls we shouldn’t have,” said McClintock head coach Charlie Marshall. “But it’s the young thing again. It takes a minute for them to get going in a game, and that’s what we’re working on is starting stronger.”

Thursday’s win moved the Chargers to the top of their region as they prepare to face the Trojans again at Paradise Valley on Friday.