Softball: Elgin's bats heat up in win over Larkin

The Elgin High softball team picked a fine time to get the bats going on Tuesday with crosstown rival Larkin paying a visit.

The Maroons pounded out 12 hits and also took advantage of 12 free passes to slug their way to a 15-6 Upstate Eight Conference River Division win. Cassidy Sell led the attack going 2-for-5 with 5 RBI. Jemiyah Stewart added 4 RBI.

"We've been hitting OK in parts of games lately," Elgin coach Dr. Nick Bumbales said. "But we hadn't quite put it all together like we did today. We were seeing the ball real well and made some nice adjustments. We were much more patient."

The Maroons (3-9, 2-4) spotted the Royals (1-11, 1-7) a couple of unearned runs in the first inning, but answered right back with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 4-2 lead. Sell delivered a 2-run single while Amanda Rosado and Stewart added RBI.

The Maroons were up 6-4 heading into the bottom of the third inning when they broke it open with 6 runs. Once again Sell was in the thick of things delivering a 3-run double. Stewart added a 2-run single.

"It's always a lot of fun to play Larkin, " Sell said. "We've really been looking forward to it. The bats really came to life. I think we had more confidence and really wanted to win this game."

Elgin leadoff hitter Rachel Turner played a big part in setting up the Maroons' offense. She walked to lead off the first inning and doubled to lead off the second inning and scored both times. She was also on base in the third and scored. Then in the sixth inning she drove in a pair of runs when the Maroons tacked on 3 more.

Turner has embraced her responsibility as a leadoff hitter.

"It's a big one," Turner said. "I try not to overthink it and just go up there and get on base any way I can as much as I can. We were really hyped for this game. It felt especially good to get this win in my senior year."

Jessica Rago, who had 13 strikeouts, went the distance in the circle for the Maroons to get the win.

Hannah Gross took the loss for Larkin. Shortstop Haley Bohne was a bright spot for the Royals. She went 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and RBI. She also stole home in the first inning. Sophie Young added a 2-run single for the Royals.

"We had some nice positives today," Larkin coach Anne Vogt said. "I'm really impressed how Haley is stepping up as a leader and Sam Wahl made some nice plays in center. But we still have to cut down on the mistakes and the walks. We hate to lose this one, but (Elgin) played really well and deserved the win."