The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Flying Dutch recover to split with Vandercook Lake
Manchester rallies in nightcap with 12-run burst in late innings
By Ed Patino, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 8, 2008
After dropping the first game of their doubleheader with the Vandercook Lake Jayhawks and trailing in the second game, the Manchester junior varsity softball team used some late-inning heroics to post a 13-8 victory in the nightcap April 30.
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Vandercook Lake rallied for an 11-8 victory in the opening game of the Cascades Conference doubleheader.
Manchester (6-8) was held to one run over the first four innings of the second game and was in danger of being swept by the Jayhawks. However, the Dutch erupted for 12 runs over the fifth and sixth innings to salvage the split.
"We were down the whole game, but our offense kicked in and the girls really started ripping the ball," Manchester coach Melissa Hall said. "We were able to put a cap on the game after that."
Logan Caszatt led Manchester's rally, going 3-for-4 at the plate with an RBI. Kelci Keller came off the bench in the fifth inning and finished 2-for-2, while Tabitha Withrow was 2-for-4 with a double. Megan Bossory had a hit and drew three walks for the Dutch.
After some early struggles, Chelsea Barker earned the pitching win. She finished with seven strikeouts and four walks while going the distance in the circle.
"The team has shown good determination and fight throughout every game," Hall said. "We've been consistent in the field and not making many errors. It also helps that Chelsea has been a consistent pitcher for us."
The Dutch started strong in the opener and carried a 5-0 lead into the fourth inning. However, Vandercook Lake saw its offense come to life and plated 11 runs over the final three innings to take the game.
"(Vanderook Lake) got a couple hits and we threw the ball around," Hall said.
Withrow finished 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored to lead Manchester. Sarah Fielder was 3-for-4 with a double and a triple, while Jordan Ridenour also went 3-for-4. Caszatt added a triple for the Dutch.
"We're still looking to get everyone's bats going all at once," Hall said. "We want to be a consistent-hitting team all through our lineup."
Barker went the distance in the circle and was charged with the pitching loss. The freshman finished with two strikeouts.
Manchester traveled to Addison for a Cascades Conference doubleheader Wednesday after the newspaper's deadline. The Dutch will visit Britton-Deerfield for a non-league doubleheader Friday.
Dutch vs. Lenawee Christian
A powerful offense combined with strong defensive play sparked the Manchester junior varsity softball team to a 12-2 victory over the Lenawee Christian Cougars in a non-conference game April 28.
The Flying Dutch plated at least three runs in each inning to pull away for the win. The game was stopped after 4 1/2 innings due to the mercy rule.
Manchester was just as sharp in the field, as it didn't make an error in the game.
"We were looking for a solid performance defensively because that's what wins games," Manchester coach Melissa Hall said. "We made no errors and were able to keep the bats going. The girls hit consistently in all four innings."
Chelsea Barker led the attack, going 2-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Logan Caszatt added a three-RBI double and scored three runs, while Megan Bossory delivered a triple for the Dutch.
Barker held the Cougars in check throughout the game. The freshman pitched five innings and recorded five strikeouts and two walks for Manchester.
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