2 example sentences using pelota.
Pelota used in a sentence
Pelota in a sentence as a noun
I'd imagine southern cone speakers would say pelotas, but might be way off here.
It feels weird to me, too, but I'd wager you'd get used to it pretty quick, just as you get used to saying "la pelota roja" instead of "the red ball"./me hopes he didn't completely butcher the Spanish.
Pelota definitions
noun
a Basque or Spanish game played in a court with a ball and a wickerwork racket