Sweet Home 2, Cascade 0
Cascade has been taking close games from the Huskies since last year. This time, the Huskies turned the tables and walked away with a 2-0 win at home on Thursday.
“This is a very important game for us,” Coach Steve Hummer said. “They beat us 3-2 in nine innings back in April, and they beat us 4-2 after we were ahead after five innings the second time. They are ranked seventh in the state, and this really meant a lot to us.
“Our bats really came alive again tonight; we didn’t score as many runs as we would have liked, but we only struck out three times and we hit the ball hard.
“This win puts us back in contention for the top two spots in the league and a guaranteed state playoff birth. Makenzie (Marchbanks) had a no-hitter after six and two-thirds again, giving up her only hit with two outs in the seventh. She has now given up two hits in the past 14 innings and two earned runs in the last five games (33 1/3 innings).”
Marchbanks, struck out 13 batters. She is 12-6 overall and 8-4 in league.
“Olivia Lake came with a two-out RBI single in the second, and Jessalyn Seiber added another run in the fourth inning,” Hummer said. “It has been nice getting Dani back from her knee injury. She really hit the ball hard several times tonight. She has been sidelined due to knee surgery since the end of volleyball season. Getting her bat back in our lineup is going to be a real boost and having her experience as a leader on the field will have an impact into the playoffs.”
Hitting, Marchbanks went 2-4 with a double. Sara Brocard had a stolen base, two walks and run scored. Thireault went 1-4.
“Defensively, we just would not be denied tonight, no matter what situation came up,” Hummer said. “The cry from the dugout was let’s play seven innings of great softball tonight.
“The girls really made me proud tonight, but we are not done yet. There are more games to be won, and a state tournament in the future.”
Hummer wanted to thank the fans this season, he said. “In my first season as the coach, I have been overwhelmed by the support the community has given the softball program. I want to thank the Booster Club and Pat and Ival McCullom for donating a tarp for the rainy part of the season; several softball parents for donating money for equipment; and fans like Wayne Thorpe, Ken Roberts, Todd Marchbanks, Rex Livesey and Jim Harper for coming out to our home games.
“The parents of my softball team have been so supportive, we have had a great following all season long. I want to thank you all for your support, and I want you all to know that we are going to continue to work hard to get better.
“Our goal is to one day in the near future to bring a softball state title to Sweet Home,and it takes fans like all of you to make that dream come true.”
Cascade 000 0000 0 1 2
Sweet Home 010 1000 2 7 1
Sweet Home 2, Sisters 0
The Husky softball team edged out an improved Sisters squad 2-0 at home on May 2.
“Sisters has improved a great deal, and they really played us tough,” Hummer said. “Makenzie had a no-hitter through six and two-thirds innings when she gave up her only hit. She is pitching well as usual, and in the last few games, she has really started to take control of games.
“At the plate, we are doing just enough right now to win games, but I can see our bats are beginning to come along.”
Marchanks had 11 strikeouts and walked one.
At bat, Idahna Huenergardt went 1-2 with an RBI. Marchbanks went 1-3 with an RBI.
Sisters 000 0000 0 1 1
Sweet Home 200 000x 2 4 0
Standings
Molalla 9-3
Cascade 8-3
Sweet Home 8-4
Stayton 7-5
Sisters 2-10
N. Marion 1-10