Softball: Errors plague Burlington Central in loss to Marengo
Burlington Central scored five runs in the first inning and tallied nine for the game.
You would think those numbers would be enough for the Rockets to upend defending Class 3A champion Marengo in Marengo to start Kishwaukee River Valley Conference softball action Tuesday afternoon.
The Rockets couldn't over come 9 errors in dropping a 19-9 decision in six innings.
"We got off to a great start offensively with five runs in the first inning," said Central coach Erica Snyder. "I like the way we buckled down and hit the ball. We certainly scored enough runs to win. Our defense simply killed us. We made so many mental mistakes. It was cold and we haven't played a lot but we have no excuses for the way we played. We need to get on a field and work on our defense."
The Rockets' (4-3, 1-0) first inning explosion was spearheaded by a 2-run single by Reilli Gardner and a run-scoring single from Maissie Rabe.
The defending state champs responded with 6 runs in the bottom of the inning.
A 2-run single by Hannah Ritter along with run-scoring singles from Lauren Aubry and Susannah Nawrot gave the Indians (5-1, 1-0) a 6-5 advantage after one inning.
"I was just hoping to cut into the lead in the first inning," said Marengo coach Dwain Nance. "I was hoping to score two or three runs in the first inning. It was certainly nice to score six in the first and take the lead."
With the score tied at 9 after 3½ innings, the Indians scored the final 10 runs of the game.
Marengo scored 3 in the fifth keyed by a 3-run homer by Grace Houghton and added 6 in the sixth powered by a 3-run homer by Hannah Ritter.
"Marengo has a really good offense but we gave them way too many outs," said Snyder. "We hope to play a better game against them next time we play them."
With 12 hits, Central got 2 hits each by Rabe, Gardner, Danielle Yurgill, Lindsay Jamrozek and Julia Barnes.
Nance was impressed with the relief effort from Haley Minogue, who gave up 1 run on 3 hits in 3 innings of work. Minogue struck out 2 without allowing a walk.
"Haley pitched great," said Nance. "I was hoping to get maybe an inning from Haley. She exceeded expectations."
The Indians collected 15 hits led by Riley Connell (4 RBI), Ritter (5 RBI) and Susannah Nawrot who each had 3 hits apiece.
"This was the sloppiest game both teams have played in the 12 years I have coached at Marengo," said Nance. "We were just happy to get the win. I like the resilience our team showed. Central has a really good hitting team 1 through 9. They kept fighting until we could break the game open late."