(Dennis Pleuss/Jeffco Athletics)
If a softball team’s fielders are bored, that can only mean good things are happening in the pitcher’s circle.
That was the case this week for Lakewood. Destiny Martinez had herself a performance that should stand out among all sports for the entire year.
At the plate, she was fine. She went 1-for-3 and scored the only run for the Tigers as they beat Conifer 1-0.
From the rubber, it would’ve been hard to be better than what she was. She faced 21 batters through the course of the game. She stuck out 18 of them. The one batter that didn’t strike out managed to draw a walk ending Martinez’s perfect game chances, but she ended the day with one of the greatest no-hitters in all of Colorado softball history.
“We were definitely expecting a tight defensive performance from our defense as a whole,” coach Danielle Gunn said. “We know her talent, but my goodness striking out 18 of the 21 outs. She even had one of the (assists) so she was responsible for 19 of the 21 outs.”
Striking out hitters is not an uncommon accomplishment for Martinez. As a sophomore in 2019, she totaled 226 strikeouts. Her 18 strikeouts against Conifer this week matched her total from a 5-3 win over Conifer on Aug. 24 last year.
Her season-high as a sophomore was 20 strikeouts in a win over Standley Lake. In 134.2 innings pitched she maintained a 2.03 ERA and opposing hitters batted just .174 off her all of last season.
“We’re looking for improvement every single year,” Gunn said. “We don’t expect this many strikeouts from her each game, but we’re a strong defensive team and we want her to use her defense and know that she has great defense behind her.”
The Tigers advanced to the Class 5A state softball tournament a year ago but lost to Fossil Ridge in the first round.
The Tigers are hopeful in returning to the state tournament, but for now are just thrilled to be on the field.
“We’re just excited to be out there,” Gunn said. “Even with the adjustments that we – and everyone – have to make, it’s just great to be able to get out on the field and to be playing softball right now.”