Martinez delivers gem as Lady Bulldogs advance to playoffs

Laredo high school baseball and softball teams wrap up regular season

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a high school sports competition, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives.A cubist interpretation of the high-intensity action and competitive spirit of Laredo's high school baseball and softball playoffs.Laredo Today

Roman Martinez pitched a two-hit shutout to lead the South Panthers to a 1-0 win over Eagle Pass, while the Alexander Lady Bulldogs clinched a playoff berth with a 7-0 victory over United to conclude the regular season.

Why it matters

This story highlights the strong performances of two Laredo high school sports teams as they wrap up their regular seasons. Martinez's dominant pitching outing for South and Alexander's successful playoff-clinching season showcase the talent and competitiveness of local student-athletes.

The details

In the South vs. Eagle Pass game, Roman Martinez was nearly untouchable, firing a two-hit shutout with seven strikeouts in the complete-game win. Only twice did Eagle Pass put a runner on base, and Martinez retired 14 straight batters at one point. This was Martinez's third District 30-6A shutout of the season. Meanwhile, the Alexander Lady Bulldogs wrapped up the regular season with a 7-0 win over United to clinch a playoff berth. It will be the fourth straight trip to the 6A playoffs for Alexander, who were led by strong pitching from Ellie Gonzalez and a potent offense featuring Andrea Cantu, Gianna Ortegon, Kendra Mancha, Camila Venegas, and Jacky Tijerina.

  • On April 17, Roman Martinez pitched the shutout win for South.
  • On April 15, the Alexander Lady Bulldogs defeated United 7-0.

The players

Roman Martinez

A senior pitcher for the South Panthers who had a dominant outing, firing a two-hit shutout with seven strikeouts.

Ellie Gonzalez

The pitcher for the Alexander Lady Bulldogs who helped lead the team to a playoff berth with a 3.27 ERA and 32 strikeouts.

Andrea Cantu

A top hitter for the Alexander Lady Bulldogs, batting .471 with 41 hits.

Alex Colin

The head coach of the Alexander Lady Bulldogs, who led the team to its fourth straight playoff appearance.

Amarillo College

The college that Roman Martinez, the South Panthers pitcher, has committed to attend.

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What they’re saying

“Roman Martinez's stellar senior season continued with a gem on April 17.”

— Billy Woods, Author

What’s next

The South Panthers and Alexander Lady Bulldogs will both advance to the high school baseball and softball playoffs, respectively, where they will look to continue their successful seasons.

The takeaway

This story showcases the strong performances and playoff-clinching seasons of two Laredo high school sports teams, highlighting the talent and competitiveness of local student-athletes as they wrap up their regular seasons.