The Gustine Reds’ softball team’s bats came alive over their last couple of outings, earning them 21-3 and 18-5 victories over Modesto Christian and Waterford before falling to Mariposa County 15-1.

Gustine now has a record of 5-9.

The April 4 game against Modesto Christian saw Gustine earn a season high score. With that win, the Reds brought their scoring average up to 7.2 runs per game.

Gustine got a massive performance out of Jacqueline Chavez, who went 4-for-5 with three runs, three RBI, and one triple. That's the most hits Chavez has posted since back in February. Another player making a difference was Shandel Aguilera, who went a perfect 3-for-3 with one home run, three runs, and one triple.

Gustine was getting hits left and right and finished the game having posted a batting average of .721. They are a perfect 3-0 when they post a batting average of .375 or better.

The Reds’ bats were alive and well again when the team met the Waterford Wildcats on April 9, earning an 18-5 win on the road.

The action started early with Gustine scoring five runs in the top of the first, followed by seven in the second and adding six more in the third. Waterford scored four runs in the bottom of the first and one in the second before their bats went silent.

Gustine’s Jaclynn Lopez went 3-for-3 in the game with three runs, three RBIs and two doubles. Gwendolyn Barcelos went 3-for-5 with three runs, two RBIs and one double. Leilah Fara was 2-for-2 with two runs, three RBI and two doubles.

The squad also racked up an impressive nine stolen bases during the game.

Three of the Reds took to the mound over the five innings before the game was called on the mercy rule. Malia Huhane pitched one inning and struck out two hitters. Isabella Hernandez pitched one inning, seeing one run scored and Xel-ha Pantoja pitched three innings, striking out two.

After flying high in those two games, Gustine came back down to earth. The Reds came up short against the Mariposa County Grizzlies on April 11, falling 15-1. Unfortunately, that's the second time they've come up short against the Grizzlies this season, as they also lost their prior matchup 17-2 back in March.

Gustine played the Denair Coyotes on Monday (after press time) and will next face the Delhi Hawks at home at 4 p.m. on April 16. The Hawks have a record of 3-11.