By Bob Gordon - For the Express
And then there were none.On Tuesday, July 20, the Inlet women’s softball team took on league leading and undefeated Inn on Gore at Inlet and, bouncing back from their first loss of the season the previous week, the Hot Screamers handed Gore their first defeat in a tight defensive game, winning 3-1.
The win not only secured a place for Inlet in next month's playoffs, but also gave them sole possession of first place in the league going into their final regular season game.
The game started well for Gore, as their leadoff hitter singled and scored on an RBI double. The runner tried to advance to third, but was thrown out on a textbook relay throw from rover Dede Ste. Marie to shortstop Michaela Beckingham, who then made a strong and accurate throw to third baseman Angela Williams. (They also nailed a runner at third in the fifth inning, again with accurate, textbook relay throws from Crystal LaPorte to Beckingham to Williams). Inlet was fired up after that play, and pitching and defense took over. After giving up a run on three hits in the first, Inlet only allowed five hits over the last six innings. Trailing 1-0, Inlet took little time to score themselves.
In the bottom of the first, leadoff hitter Ste. Marie drew a walk, followed by a single from first baseman Heather Levi. Karen Hoskins was up next and delivered an RBI single, scoring Ste. Marie from second. Hoskins scored the second run of the inning on an RBI groundout by Denise Payne, giving Inlet the lead for good at 2-1.
Inlet aadded an insurance run in the second as Jen Gaffney scored on Ste. Marie’s sacrifice fly. Gore’s defense was just as tough, as they shut Inlet down giving up only four hits in the final four innings. Colleen Brigham pitched four outstanding innings, giving up one run on seven hits. Ste. Marie came in in the fifth and closed it out, giving up only one hit over the final three innings.
All game long, the Inlet infield of Levi (First), Gaffney (Second), Beckingham (Shortstop) and Williams (Third) played flawlessly, collecting every ball hit to them. The outfield of Payne (Left) LaPorte (Center/Rover) Hoskins (Right/Center) Kyle Hauser (Left) and Ste. Marie (Rover) were equally up to the challenge, making running catches and never allowing Gore to get many extra base hits. And let’s not forget Sam Miller, playing the thankless position of catcher all season and doing a wonderful job.
Inlet travels to Ohio on Tuesday, July 27 for their final regular season game. A win will secure the #1 seed in the playoffs and give Inlet a home game in the first round. Game time is 6:30 p.m.