Softball: Defense leads Junior Chargers to split against Oilers

Despite falling behind and dropping the opener 6-5, the Midland Dow junior varsity softball team’s defense was able to get them out of several jams to hold on for a 4-3 win in the nightcap Thursday against visiting Mount Pleasant at H.H. Dow High School.

“Our defense really pulled together tonight,” said Dow coach Kim Dankert. “We had some unique situations occur and it looked as if they had practiced it many times. They kept their heads in the game even after the initial out and made plays beyond that.”

After losing their ace to varsity, the Chargers looked to Sam Wood to shut down the Oiler offense. She went the distance for Dow allowing six hits, while striking out eleven.

Kelsey Russell led the Chargers offensively, going 2-for-3 with a home run, while Sam Lantvit also went 2-for-3.

“I was glad to see our bats weren’t cold,” Dankert said. “Our last three game nights have been against slower pitching and I was concerned it was going to hurt our offense but we concentrated on hitting the last two practices and it showed.”

The tough loss set the stage for a thriller in the nightcap.

Wood again took the mound for Dow and continued her sterling performance striking out nine batters, while allowing only five hits.

“Sam did an excellent job on the mound tonight,” Dankert said. “One of our other pitchers was pulled up to varsity so Sam had to help pick up some slack and she did fantastic.”

The Chargers and Oilers were locked in a seemingly epic struggle, when the game changing moment finally arrived. With the scored tied up 3-3, Mount Pleasant was threatening with a runner on third in the sixth inning. A fly ball was launched to deep right field, but into the waiting glove of Stephanie Russell. The runner tagged in an effort to score the go-ahead run for the Oilers, but Russell’s throw was right on the money getting the runner out to keep the contest deadlocked.

Dow would add a score later in the game to come away with the win.

Taylor Thurston lead the Chargers offensively in the nightcap going 2-for-3, with a triple and a home run.

Dow improves to 9-2-1 overall and 5-1 in league play. They return to action Saturday when they host Flushing. Game time is scheduled for 10 a.m.