Cape softball takes boat ride and sinks Cape May 11-1

Young athletes who are good kids don’t like getting busted by an umpire during a game for something “illegal.” It’ s unnerving for a 14-year-old just trying to survive on the pitcher's mound.

Cape hosted Caesar Rodney April 25, and after three innings the Riders were ahead 1-0.

The wheels came off the wagon in the top of the fourth when Riley Shields, who had come on in relief of Hailey Passwaters, was called for an illegal pitch that had something to do with the hands having to be apart when the pitcher gets the sign from the catcher. There then ensued another game interruption in which the count was discussed as a strike was changed to a ball.

“Instead of a strikeout to start an inning, it was a walk,” coach Jeff Evans said

Out of sync and with focus lost, Cape was pounded for an eight-run inning, and the Riders followed with another four-spot in the top of the fifth to lead 13-1.

A Marlee McGinness double and Tiara Duffy home run helped Cape to a three- run fifth inning but the game was over by mercy rule with the Riders winning 13-3.

Constance Wicks and Mary Haugh homered for the Riders.

“No excuses, they were just teeing off on us; they are a good team, “ said Cape's Evans, whose team fell to 2-5 with the loss.

The Riders, behind pitcher Nicole Mendes, improved to 5-5 with the win.

Cape Henlopen took the ferry to Cape May April 27 and defeated the Caper Tigers 11-1 behind Passwaters and Shields. Tiara Duffy had a pair of doubles while Paige Ludwicki and Sydney Ostroski also doubled.

Cape will host 0-8 Seaford Tuesday, April 30.