WARDEN - A 10-run first inning was all the host Warden Lady Cougars needed to beat the visiting Royal Lady Knights, 13-3 last night in a five-run game.

Pitcher Iris Rodriguez held Royal to one earned run to earn the win.

Warden (2-1) scored all 10 runs on only four hits as the Lady Cougars saw their first four batters walked.

"We didn't hit them hard, but we had a little help that put pressure on their defense," Warden head coach Wes Richins said. 

"If we could just take back one inning things may have been more exciting for us.," Royal head coach Pete Christensen said. "We are a better team than the one that started that game and the girls know it.  We will in the hunt in the end, I firmly believe it."

Warden got eight total hits and didn't strike out.

"I look forward to the year and watching the improvements from each of the girls," Christensen said. "They have a lot of potential, but very little time on the field.  Experience will be their challenge as we work through this season."

Tawnie Gosalez went 2-for-3 with three RBI for Warden, Miexy Gonzalez went 3-for-3 and Cassondra Platas went 1-fo-2 with two RBI.

Shanna Seely and Gladys Meza each went 2-for-3 to lead Royal (2-2).

"Both teams usually get up for each other," Richins said. "We have enjoyed success against them over the past couple of years, but before that, they always seemed to have our number."