The Manchester Enterprise
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Dutch rally for tie with Madison
Time-limit rule stops game in eighth, Dutch go 0-1-1 in tourney
By Ed Patino, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: May 15, 2008
Softball fans were treated to a rarity in the sport in the consolation game of the Britton-Deerfield Tournament May 10.
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Despite several defensive mistakes and facing a three-run deficit, the Manchester varsity softball team rallied for a 7-7 tie with the Adrian Madison Trojans in each teams' final game of the tournament.
The Flying Dutch finished 0-1-1 in the tournament after the tie and a 7-4 loss to the Dundee Vikings earlier in the day. Manchester (2-15-1, 0-6 Cascades) snapped its 15-game losing streak, but are now winless in 16.
The Manchester-Madison game was stopped after eight innings because of the time limit rule in the tournament.
The Dutch offense matched Madison's attack throughout the game, but their defense struggled. Manchester committed seven errors in the game, and all seven Madison runs were unearned.
Each team plated two runs in the third inning before the Dutch grabbed a 4-2 lead with runs in the fourth and fifth. The errors cost the Dutch in the bottom of the fifth as the Trojans scored three runs to grab the lead, then added two more unearned runs in the sixth for a 7-4 lead.
"We gave them seven runs with our defense," Manchester coach Nikole Fether said.
Manchester showed its mettle in the top of the seventh, scoring three runs to extend the game. Both teams failed to score in the eighth inning, and officials ruled the game a tie so the tournament could continue with the championship game.
The tie spoiled a strong performance from sophomore pitcher Jenny Stautz. She allowed 10 hits, but struck out seven and walked only one. However, the unearned runs prevented Stautz from earning a win in the circle.
"Jenny pitched great, but there was no defense behind her," Fether said.
Manchester battered Madison pitcher Libby Perez for seven runs on nine hits. Stautz led the way, going 3-for-4 with an RBI, while Julie Fielder was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Roxanne Rickert went 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored and Stephanie Preston added a hit and a run scored. Amanda Barker finished 1-for-5 with an RBI and run scored for the Dutch.
Perez was 2-for-4 with two runs scored for the Trojans. She also recorded three strikeouts and walked four in the circle.
Defense hurt the Dutch in the first inning of their opening game against Dundee. The Vikings raced to a 6-0 lead after the frame, with five of the runs unearned.
Each team plated a run in the second inning before playing four innings of scoreless ball. Manchester made a comeback attempt in the top of the seventh inning, scoring three runs and pulling to within 7-4, but were unable to complete the rally.
"We settled down and played well after the first inning," Fether said. "We just couldn't make up all the runs we gave them in the first."
The Dutch outhit Dundee 10-5 for the game. Emily Lobbestael went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Hannah Caszatt and Taylor Parks both finished 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Rickert was 1-for-3 with an RBI and run scored. Fielder and Stautz each finished 1-for-4, with Fielder scoring a run. Stephanie Preston finished 1-for-3 with a run scored for Manchester.
Stautz went the distance in the circle and took the pitching loss. She allowed seven runs (four earned) on five hits in six innings. Stautz recorded three strikeouts and walked five.
The Dutch returned to Cascades Conference play Monday at Hanover-Horton. They will host Grass Lake for a league doubleheader today, then host a tournament Saturday.
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