The Huskies beat Cascade 5-3 and Pleasant Hill 13-1, a no-hitter under the 10-run rule last week in softball.
“I feel like the girls are settling into their positions, and they’re being more aggressive hitting and putting the ball into play,” said Coach Karyn Hartsook, adding that her team is striking out less.
“We are still moving kids around the defense, but they seem to be adjusting, and they’re willing to do what is best for the team,” she said. Several players are able to settle into their roles, playing multiple positions.
The Huskies are 3-2 overall.
They traveled to Redmond for a four-game tournament facing Madras, Crook County, Corbett and Estacada Monday and Tuesday.
They host Sutherlin in the league opener at home on April 3. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
Sutherlin is also 3-2 overall, allowing 41 runs and scoring 53. Sweet Home has given up 24 runs and scored 37 runs so far this season.
Sweet Home 13, Pleasant Hill 1
The Huskies started a little slow in the first inning, scoring one run, at home on March 21, Hartsook said.
They broke away, scored 11 runs and reached the 10-run threshold in the second inning.
The Huskies scored again in the fourth inning, while Pleasant Hill scored its only run in the top of the fifth inning following two walks and an error.
Savannah Hutchins pitched the first three innings, striking out three batters. Ashtyn Walker closed out the game, giving up one unearned run and two walks while striking out six batters.
For Pleasant Hill, Shelby McGuire gave up 14 hits, one walk and 12 runs, 11 of them earned, in three innings. In relief, Chloe Sharr gave up to hits, a walk and one earned run.
Collecting two hits each were Bailee Hartsook, Sunhee Bitter, Marissa Kurtz, Sydney Mauer, Graci Zanona and Walker. Hitting once each were Torree Hawken, Kate Hawken, Hutchins and Allison Miner. Recording doubles were Hartsook, K. Hawken, Kurtz and Walker.
Mauer had three RBIS and a home run, while Hartsook, Zanona and K. Hawken each had two RBIS. Collecting one RBI were T. Hawken, Hutchins and Kurtz.
Bitter stole two bases, while Kurtz, Hartsook and Zanona each had one.
Pleasant Hill 000 01 x x – 1 0 1
Sweet Home 1(11)0 1xx x – 13 16 2
Sweet Home 5, Cascade 3
At home on March 19, the Huskies took a first-inning 3-0 lead after Sunhee Bitter doubled out of the gate. Samantha Hutchins singled. Bitter advanced to third on the play.
With Allison Miner at the plate and walking, Hutchins stole second, while Bitter stole home to get the Huskies on the scoreboard.
Hutchins tagged up and scored on a fly out left by Marissa Kurtz. Miner scored the third run stealing home.
The Huskies didn’t score again till the sixth inning while Cascade scored one run each in the top of the third, fifth and sixth innings to tie the game.
Kate Hawken and Graci Zanona singled to reach base in the bottom of the sixth. Sydney Mauer scored them on a single.
“Samantha Hutchins pitched a great game,” Hartsook said. “I’m super proud of her and her hard work.”
She has been practicing her control, and she’s putting the ball right where it needs to be, Hartsook said.
Throwing six innings, Hutchins gave up four hits, a walk and two runs, while striking out 10 batters.
Ashtyn Walker pitched in relief, giving up one run and striking out one.
Pitching for Cascade, McKenzie Dysinger gave up eight hits, two walks and five runs, four of them earned, while striking out two Sweet Home batters.
With six stolen bases, the Huskies are playing more aggressively on offense, she said, with more girls hitting throughout the lineup.
Sweet Home had eight quality hits on the game, Hartsook said.
Bailee Hartsook led the way going 2-3. Each collecting a hit were Bitter with a double, Hawken, Hutchins, Mauer, Allison Miner and Zanona.
Miner stole three bases; Hutchins, two; and Bitter, one.
Alexis Loukojarvi hit a home run for Cascade.
Cascade 001 011 0 – 3 4 1
Sweet Home 300 002 x – 5 8 5