Tough weekend ends with split for Warriors
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
The Tuscola Warriors endured a challenging weekend on the softball diamond, dropping three games before bouncing back with a victory over Hamilton County on Saturday.
Tuscola opened the stretch with a 5-1 loss to Central A & M on Thursday. Central A & M seized control early when Wesleigh Cochran blasted a grand slam to center field in the opening inning.
The Warriors lone run came in the fourth inning when Kinzie Cleland launched a solo home run to center field. Cleland also paced Tuscola offensively by going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Bayleigh Taylor added two hits.
Despite the loss, Cleland delivered a strong effort in the circle, allowing just six hits and five runs, only one earned over seven innings while striking out four and walked two.
Tuscola then fell 5-1 to Crab Orchard on Friday. Crab Orchard broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning on a sacrifice bunt by Payton Cook and a sacrifice fly from Lexi Odle.
Adri Ortega dominated in the circle for Crab Orchard, striking out 14 while limiting Tuscola to two hits. Bella Wishard and Cleland each collected a hit for the Warriors, while Alaina Smith drove in Tuscola’s lone run. Wishard also stole two bases.
Cleland took the loss despite another solid pitching performance, surrendering four hits and five runs, three earned, over six innings.
The Warriors struggled against Red Bud in the first game on Saturday, falling 12-0. Red Bud jumped ahead early with two runs in the first inning and never looked back.
Kendra Ehret highlighted the big third inning for Red Bud with a grand slam to center field. Tessa Stenzel earned the shutout victory, allowing just three hits over five innings.
Addie Presson, Bayleigh Taylor and Cleland each recorded hits for Tuscola, which also turned a double play defensively.
Tuscola closed the weekend on a high note with a 5-3 victory over Hamilton County.
Hamilton County struck first with a three-run opening inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Kelsie Ashcraft. Tuscola answered in the fourth when Alaina Smith tied the game with a home run to center field before Lidia Manzella added an RBI groundout.
The Warriors took the lead for good in the fifth inning. Cleland drew a bases-loaded walk to force home a run before Sawyer Cleland added an RBI single to make it 5-3.
Presson earned the win after pitching four and one-third innings, while Cleland shut the door in relief with two and two-thirds scoreless innings, striking out four.
Bella Wishard sparked the offense from the leadoff spot, collecting three hits in four at-bats. Ava Whitson added two hits.
The Warriors were on the road Tuesday at St. Teresa, @ Cumberland 5/14, home vs. Warrensburg-Latham 5/15, and @ Salt Fork 5/16.