Southwest University Park was amped up with hundreds of El Pasoans and Chihuahuas’ fans gathering with their loved ones, eating delicious fried food and embracing the game of good old baseball. It doesn’t matter if one sat beside El Paso Chihuahua’s mascot Chico, or cruised around the vendors, simply being in the stadium surrounded by the red and gold logos radiated the warm El Paso community energy.
The Chihuahuas played the season opening three-game series from March 28 to 30 evening, giving fans a chance to make any of the options available. They took home two of the three games.
Friday, March 28– On the opening night, the Chihuahua’s went against the Salt Lake Bees and completely triumphed with an end score of 10-3. This was the Chihuahua’s fifth straight win in an opening season game, making this the 11th in their history of season opening wins.
Chihuahuas fan; Jerrod Marquez said his favorite part about the game is the baseball and atmosphere.
“The baseball, food, environment, everything.” Marquez said, as well as his hopes, the community continues to show up and support the team throughout the season.
Saturday, March 29- Unfortunately, the Chihuahua’s winning streak did not continue the following day. Against the Salt Lake Bees, the evening on Saturday was packed with Chihuahua’s gear surfing through the rows of seats. The Bees brought their A-game back for the second game, setting up the Chihuahuas with four runs in the first inning before marking an out. Three were home runs by Niko Kavadas and J.D. Davis.
Jasmine Muniz, another attendee at the game said the gear was her favorite part of the game. “The gear, [makes] it really fun to come into the game,” Muniz said. “Hopefully, it’s more support for the baseball team. I feel like the players get really driven by the community.”
With a final score of 7-6, the Chihuahua’s winning streak was snapped, yet the team still had one more chance to win in the series.
Sunday, March 30- The three back-to-back games came together and ended with yet another win from the Chihuahuas over Salt Lake Bees 13-2. Highlights include having Stephen Lolek, a Chihuahuas starter, pitch five shutout innings in his opening game.
Mercedez Mergy, a fan fully dressed in Chihuahuas merchandise, hopes for a successful season moving forward.
“I’m hoping we win. I hope the record is a good one where we go to the championship and win another trophy,” Mergy said.
With a promising start like the past three opening games, many are hopeful the Chihuahuas will not only continue winning but always remain a haven for the El Paso community to thrive.
Vianah Vasquez is a writer contributor and may be reached at [email protected].
