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Cape softball plays tough in 25-hit slugfest

Red Lion wins with six runs in the ninth
April 24, 2017

The Cape softball squad put up a valiant effort in the April 21 make-up game with Red Lion Christian Academy, but fell in the ninth inning 15-9 to the visiting Lions.

"This is a tough loss. Red Lion is a quality team, recently ranked No. 2 in the state,” said Cape coach Shannon Timmons. “Unfortunately, the final score doesn't reflect how hard the girls worked and how well they played as a team.”

Red Lion started the game strong, putting three runs on the scoreboard in the top of the first, but the Lady Vikings answered right back by scoring two in the bottom of the inning. Cape continued the run fest by scoring two in the bottom of the second to take a 4-3 lead. Red Lion retook the lead with two in the third, but once again, the Vikings didn’t lie down, scoring two more in the fourth.

The game stayed the same until Red Lion scored four in the sixth inning to take a 9-6 lead going into the seventh, an almost insurmountable lead for the Lions, considering relief pitcher Taylor Beres had shut out the Vikings in the fifth and sixth.

Cape had two runners on, but with two outs the pressure was on freshman Kaniah James’ bat to extend the game into extra innings. James did just that, knocking a single into left-center, where the two Lions fielders collided, clearing the bases to put the game into extra innings at 9-9. James’ hit was ruled a single due to injury to the Lions fielders.

After each team went down in the eighth, Lions player Julia Thuer broke the 9-9 tie in the top of the ninth with a two-run double. They scored six in total to finish the game 15-9, moving the Lions to 7-2, while the Vikings drop to 4-5.

“I am proud of their effort and perseverance,” said Timmons. “We came from behind to take the lead in the fourth and again to tie it in the bottom of the seventh, sending it into extra innings.”

Jordyn Virden and Raegan Jackson each had doubles with two RBIs and one RBI, respectively. Rye Elliott slapped a hit, while Chloe Fluharty, Savannah Reed, Kaniah James and Kristine Davis each picked up one.

Senior Kristine Davis pitched 6 1/3 innings, striking out two, while Savannah Reed hurled 2 2/3 innings. The defense was led by Chloe Fluharty with seven put outs, Elliott and Virden with five and Sara Lallier with two put outs and five assists.

“They played together as a team today,” Timmons said. “We've been working hard on team building in addition to the skills/drills and situational play in practice, and we saw that pay off today."

Junior Abby Smith and freshman Courtney Paolantonio each went yard for the Lions, while freshman Julia Thuer slammed a triple and double.

Cape returns to the home diamond Tuesday, April 25, for a Northern Division matchup with Dover.

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