Two big innings seal Garden City's fate in game one vs. Otero

By Mike Pilosof

Photo by Adam Shrimplin

La Junta, CO-The big inning has haunted Garden City all season. Monday's opener was no exception.

Otero scored 11 runs combined over two innings, Dephne Bustos and Anali Ruiz both went yard, and the Rattlers beat the Broncbusters, 15-7. The loss dropped Garden City to 16-23 overall.

Broncbuster starter Tara Reid, who has been brilliant as of late, didn't get much help behind her. Garden City committed six errors, the sophomore was tagged for eight runs, and Amy Schmeckpeper's squad surrendered an early 4-2 advantage.

Reid allowed a triple to Alyssa Charter-Smith to begin the third. That was followed by a Brooklyn Rios' RBI double, and a two-run homer by Bustos that gave Otero an 8-4 lead. After the Broncbusters got a run back in the fourth, the Rattlers plated six in the fifth, which included an RBI triple by Charter-Smith. She also ended the game in the sixth with a run-scoring base hit.

Charter-Smith picked up the win in the circle, allowing seven runs on eight hits in six innings. She did give up two home runs: One to Alanna Neilsen in the third and another to Kayden Rodgers in the fifth. But she struck out six and was only charged with three earned runs.

Reid allowed eight runs-only four earned in 2 2/3 before Elycia Johnson was lit up for seven runs on eight hits in a relief appearance.