By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

BUDA – Buda Johnson batters had a hard time Friday figuring out San Antonio Taft ace Alyssa Rangel.

Through five innings of the first game of a Class 6A Division I regional semifinal best-of-three series, Rangel stymied the Jaguars at the plate.

In the sixth inning, however; Johnson’s bats finally broke the code.

Kiersten Williams reached second on an error that plated courtesy runner Madi Milligan to tie the game 1-1. On the next at bat, first baseman Mia Ruiz hit a shot by the Taft shortstop that scored Williams from second to give the Jaguars a 2-1 lead and eventually the win. Ruiz went 2 for 3 at the plate, which were the Jaguars’ only hits of the game.

Pitcher Bridget Alvair got the win in the circle and gave up four hits, three walks and one run while striking out seven batters.

Johnson (27-5-1) takes a 1-0 advantage into Saturday’s Game 2 at Northside ISD sports complex in San Antonio. If a third game is needed it will be played 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 2.

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