Lady Tigers rout Washington
The McClain varsity softball team got some sweet revenge on Wednesday night when they traveled to Washington C.H. and defeated the Lady Blue Lions 20-5 and avenged a disappointing loss to them on Monday night in Greenfield.
McClain jumped out early and often, scoring three runs in the first, two more runs in the second and basically put the game away by adding six more runs in the top of the fourth inning for an 11-0 advantage.
Washington did draw a little closer in the bottom half of the fourth inning when they scored five runs, but those were the only runs the Lady Blue Lions would get off of McClain starting pitcher Gracie Bowers.
Bowers, who was the hard-luck losing pitcher in the game Monday in Greenfield, was masterful in Wednesday’s game despite the inclement weather, going the distance on the mound and giving up the five runs on 13 hits.
“Gracie (Bowers) stepped up big in the circle today, pitching all seven innings to pick- up the victory,” McClain head coach Molly Stegbauer said after the game. “Our defense also did their job behind her, committing just one error in the ballgame.
“Lindsey Hutchinson, our second baseman, and Allie Flowers, our senior catcher, combined for 11 put-outs in the ballgame, which was half of our team’s total.”
The Lady Tigers’ offensive effort was just as impressive as the defense when they erupted for an incredible 22 hits that included a pair of long home runs by Kenzie Wise and a solo shot by senior Jacolyn Bolender.
“Our bats were on fire tonight with those 22 hits that included the two home runs from Kenzie (Wise) and one from Jacolyn (Bolender),” said Stegbauer. “We were also a lot more disciplined running the bases and at the plate, which was a big improvement from the game Monday night.
“It’s hard to pick out a standout player for the game, but I would probably put Kenzie somewhere at the top of that list after hitting not one but two bombs in the game.
“Another heartwarming moment in the game that I will carry with me for a long time is when senior Jacolyn Bolender went yard for the first home run in her softball career,” Stegbauer continued. “Jacolyn is an extraordinary teammate who is loved by everyone, so that was a heartwarming moment for all.”
McClain’s offense added another run in the fifth, two more in the sixth and finished off their impressive night at the plate by scoring six more in the top of the seventh for the 22-5 final.
“Mental toughness and attitude were the two components that made all the difference between the two ballgames,” Stegbauer said. “Our girls never lost their composure tonight, even after Washington scored those five runs in the fourth inning. That’s something we’ve been focusing on, controlling our mindset and reactions to every play and circumstances.
“This is a young and talented group of girls who are just now learning how powerful their mindset can be.”
McClain improves to 2-4 overall (1-1 FAC) and will play Friday, April 5 at home against Eastern Brown before traveling to Leesburg Saturday, April 6 to play an afternoon doubleheader vs. Fairfield and Paint Valley.
Batting leaders for the Lady Tigers were: Lindsey Hutchinson 3-for-3, 2 doubles, RBI, 3 runs; Brie Cummins 2-for-3, 2 doubles, RBI, 3 runs; Olivia Stegbauer 3-for-3, double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs; Leah Lovett 3-for-4, double, RBI, 2 runs; Kenzie Wise 2-for-5, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 3 runs; Jacolyn Bolender 2-for-3, HR, RBI, run; and Harley Peabody 3-for-5, 2 RBIs, 2 runs.
Pitching: Gracie Bowers 7 innings, 5 runs (earned), 1 walk, 6 strikeouts.
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