Cascade 4, Sweet Home 2
Cascade snatched away a 1-0 Husky lead in the top of the sixth inning to build a 4-2 victory at Sweet Home on April 20.
Idahna Huenergardt hit a double in the bottom of the sixth inning score a runner and close the lead to 3-2.
“Our kids really battled to get back into position to take the lead, but we just couldn’t get it done,” Coach Steve Hummer said. “We must learn to win the close games.
“As this season has progressed, I have realized that we reside in one of the most balanced conferences in the state, a conference in which the top four teams can beat each other on any given night.
“This week was a tough one for us. We lost 4-2 to Cascade, who is at the top of the conference at 7-1, and we lost to Molalla (6-2) 2-1.
“Nothing is going to be easy for us this year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We are now 4-4 and in fourth place behind Stayton, who is 5-3.
“We play Stayton on Tuesday at their place in yet another tough game. We are up for the challenge, and we expect success. Our spirits are high, and we expect nothing but great things this week.”
Makenzie Marchbanks struck out nine batters and walked three. She gave up seven hits.
Cascade 000 0031 4 7 2
Sweet Home 001 0010 2 4 1
Molalla 2, Sweet Home 1
Molalla scored two at the bottom of the sixth inning to defeat Sweet Home 2-1 on the road.
“A real pitchers duel that came down to the wire,” Hummer said. “They scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth on an error. It was the only error of the game, and it came at a tough time.
“These girls refuse to quit and refuse to give in. We believe in our ability, and we know that as long as we continue to work, we will win the close games.
“Sports mirror life, nothing worth having in life comes easy, and nothing in this conference comes easy. We are going to stay the course, keep working and keep taking our rips. We can be and will be in the mix when the last pitch is thrown this year. Dont count us out, we will not waiver.
“Huenergardt again came up with a clutch hit in the seventh to score a run. The game ended with Idahna at second. We again were one hit away. It wont be long and we will get that big hit when we need it.”
Marchbanks struck out 10 batters and walked two. She gave up three hits.
Sweet Home 000 0001 1 5 1
Molalla 000 002x 2 3 0