Rio Grande City Rattlers riding wave of momentum into postseason

In only his first season, Rio Grande City went undefeated through district competition for the first time since 2004, capturing the No. 1 seed heading into the bi-district round of the playoffs today, despite graduating five seniors, including a two-time district MVP.

“Just super proud of the girls,” Cortinas said. “Being able to tie the record that hadn’t been done in 20 years, that’s a big accomplishment.

“Of course, we’re not done yet. We want to keep advancing.”

The playoffs open today with a one-game series against Gregory-Portland (20-10), the No. 4 seed from 29-5A that posted a 10-6 district record.

Cortinas prefers it that way. With a thin bullpen, the Rattlers elected to avoid a best-of-three series.

RGC (20-4, 16-0) has exceeded expectations, despite several vacancies entering the season, including the loss of starting pitcher Denzelle Saenz, the district’s MVP. Out of necessity, Cortinas asked shortstop Jorja Fuentes to take over on the mound.

Prior to that, Fuentes had limited experience as a pitcher, never during serious competition on the varsity level.

That changed this year, when Fuentes helped RGC — anchored by returning starters Caylani Cantu, a shortstop; first baseman Julexie Garcia, and center fielder Anjolina Zurita — sweep their district counterparts twice. They outscored opponents by a combined 188-20 during that 16-game slate.

“Of course she wanted to stay at shortstop,” Cortinas said of Fuentes, “but she knew we needed her on the mound, and she’s really taken off with it.”

Fuentes started nine of 16 district games, posting a 1.013 ERA. She struck out 124 and walked 12 through 79 innings, allowing 60 hits and 16 runs.

She also led the team in batting average (.577), on-base percentage (.643), hits (41), RBIs (35), slugging percentage (1.099), doubles (nine) and triples (11).

“She’s always been a really good hitter and defender,” Cortinas said. “Pitching has been her secondary thing. We asked her to embrace it, if we were going to be successful. And she threw every (district) game for us.

“She’s been a great spark.”

What’s helped, too, has been assistant coach Katie Ramirez, a former college softball player, working with Fuentes on her pitching mechanics.

For all his success as a baseball coach (and former baseball player), Cortinas delegated those duties. 

“Our assistants have been tremendous,” said Cortinas, who focused on defense and hitting this season. 

Zurita has been just as impactful during this run. The Rattlers have flourished with the four-year starting centerfield as a defensive stalwart. Offensively, she’s led the team in stolen bases (14), runs scored (36) and home runs (3). She also posted the third-highest on-base percentage (.538) on the team as a leadoff hitter, batting .425.

“She’s had an amazing year for us,” Cortinas said.

Since wrapping up district April 14, the Rattlers have tried to keep their routine the same, despite plenty of excitement surrounding the program.

For Cortinas, it’s a perfect start to his second go-around with the school. Before joining McAllen Memorial baseball, he was an assistant softball coach at RGC. In the six years before that, he was the school’s baseball coach, enjoying an undefeated run through district in 2021.

“Being on the baseball side for 20 years, it was new dealing with the girls at first. But it was a very pleasant surprise. Their work ethic, whatever you tell them to do, they do. The boys sometimes are a little more stubborn,” Cortinas said.

“It’s just been a team effort,” he added. “The girls have really gelled well together. That’s been a big part of it. It’s been a focus since the beginning of the year: building the family environment and showing them to play for each other.

“We’ve had a really dominating year. Our defense was outstanding. Of course, I take a lot of pride in that. I was so impressed with them. They take criticism very well, and compliments too.”

Now the Rattlers are ready for their next challenge when they play host to Gregory-Portland at 7 tonight.

“I feel (closing out district unbeaten) took a lot of pressure off of us. Personally, I felt it,” Cortinas said. “We wanted to get that undefeated season. Once we did it, I felt like we had a lot more of a relaxed practice the next day. We were back to having fun, more energy. … We got back to where we started.”

“We preach to them we’re 0-0. It’s a brand-new season. I think we left that district season behind us now.”