Softball Recap: Ponderosa Bruins vs. West Park Panthers
It was a good run, but Ponderosa unfortunately witnessed the end of their three-game winning streak on Tuesday. They fell just short of the West Park Panthers by a score of 5-4. Ponderosa was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as West Park apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in May of 2023.
Chase Mueller was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She looked comfortable on the mound, tossing 8.1 innings while giving up five earned runs off eight hits. Mueller has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than two walks in 11 consecutive pitching appearances. Mueller was also solid in the batter's box, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.
In other batting news, Brynn Escobar was cooking despite her team's loss, going 2-for-5 with a triple and a run. Molly McFarland was another key contributor, going 2-for-5 with two stolen bases.
On West Park's side, Jessica Cochran spent all nine innings on the mound, and it's clear why: she surrendered just two earned (and two unearned) runs on eight hits. Those nine innings set a new season-high mark for her.
At the plate, Mady Schultze was incredible, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI, and two runs. The team also got some help courtesy of Isabella Huston, who went 1-for-3 with two runs and a triple.
Ponderosa's loss dropped their record down to 10-3. As for West Park, they pushed their record up to 7-3 with that win, which was their seventh straight at home dating back to last season.
Ponderosa will take on Lincoln at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday. Ponderosa's pitching crew has only allowed 2.5 runs per game this season, so Lincoln's hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for West Park, they will head out on the road to take on Bear River at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Bear River is strutting in with some hitting muscle, as they've averaged 9.4 runs per game this season.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
