The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Late comeback propels Flying Dutch to split
Manchester scores 11 in sixth for nightcap win, move to .500
By Ed Patino, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: April 24, 2008
After its first comeback fell short, the Manchester junior varsity softball team made sure it followed through on another.
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A big sixth inning helped the Flying Dutch salvage a split of a doubleheader April 19 at Brooklyn Columbia Central as they won the nightcap 14-7 after dropping the opener 11-7.
Manchester (3-3) appeared in danger of being swept by the Golden Eagles as it trailed 7-1 entering the sixth inning. But with two outs in the frame, the Dutch exploded for 11 runs to grab the lead. They tacked on two more runs in the top of the seventh, then Chelsea Barker and the Manchester defense shut down Columbia Central in the bottom half of the inning to secure the split.
"We had a great comeback," Manchester coach Melissa Hall said. "I was proud that the girls didn't keep their heads down."
Logan Caszatt led the offensive charge for the Dutch, going 3-for-5 at the plate with a double. Megan Bossory and Tabitha Withrow each were 2-for-5 with a double, while Sarah Fielder was 2-for-4. Amanda Davis finished 1-for-4 and Jordan Ridenour added a hit for Manchester.
Barker went the distance in the circle and earned the pitching win. The sophomore recorded three strikeouts in the game after also throwing all seven innings of the first game.
"Chelsea has the consistent stuff right now and the team is confident in her," Hall said. "Our infield has been solid so far and I've been rotating players in the outfield."
In the first game, the Dutch fell into an early hole, then watched Columbia Central build an 11-1 lead. Manchester fought back with six straight runs, but was unable to get any closer.
Kristen Lewis went 3-for-3 at the plate with a double and a triple to lead the Dutch, while Withrow was 3-for-4 with a double. Barker struck out two and walked four and was charged with the pitching loss.
Manchester hosted Napoleon in a Cascades Conference doubleheader Wednesday after the newspaper's deadline. The Dutch will host Dexter for another doubleheader Saturday.
Dutch vs. Michigan Center
Two very different games produced different results for the Manchester junior varsity softball team as it split a doubleheader with Michigan Center, winning the opener 7-1 and dropping the second game 22-8.
The Flying Dutch played error-free softball in the first game while getting a balanced attack at the plate. Jordan Ridenour and Sarah Fielder each went 2-for-3 to lead Manchester, while Kelsey Heimerdinger was 1-for-3. Logan Caszatt, Megan Bossory and Chelsea Barker each finished 1-for-4 at the plate for the Dutch.
Barker also earned the pitching win, striking out seven in six innings of work.
Manchester's defense unraveled in the nightcap, as it committed eight errors.
Bossory was a bright spot for the Dutch, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a home run. Tabitha Withrow was 2-for-3, while Barker was 1-for-3 with a double. Fielder and Kelci Keller each went 1-for-3 for Manchester.
The Dutch used three pitchers in the game, with starter Kristen Lewis taking the loss. She pitched 1 1/3 innings, struck out one and walked three.
Dutch at Onsted
The Manchester junior varsity softball team ran into a hot hitting team and was defeated by the Onsted Wildcats 12-2 in a non-conference game April 14.
Logan Caszatt and Jordan Ridenour each went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Flying Dutch. Megan Bossory and Tabitha Withrow each finished 1-for-3. Chelsea Barker pitched six innings and struck out six, but took the pitching loss.
Staff Writer Ed Patino can be reached at 428-8173 or epatino@heritage.com.
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