Cascade softball team wins big rematch against Okanogan

On April 24, the Cascade softball team played at Okanogan with perhaps the Caribou Trail League championship on the line. The two teams were tops in the league, having split the season series. Cascade and Okanogan were both 7-1.
Cascade took the lead in the third inning as four Kodiaks reached base with two out. Colby West’s grounder with the bases loaded went under the second baseman’s glove for an error which scored two runs.
“The fielding error allowed Maddie Scheifelbein and Sarah Paulson to score. Though we had runners in scoring position in four different inning these were the only runs we were able to manufacture,” said Cascade Head Coach Todd Gilbert.
Okanogan had at least one runner in scoring position each inning except for the seventh. The Bulldog’s only run came in the sixth. The Okanogan batter drew a walk, then continued on to second base, resulting in a pickle. The Bulldogs were able to score and the runner was safe at first.
“While this could have been costly, keeping the runner to 1st base was crucial. She was later thrown out at home plate on a double to right-center. Kaija Lovelady gunned the ball to the relay, Sarah Paulson, who sent the ball home where Andrea Sorensen applied the tag to the potential tying run,” Gilbert said.
Cascade won 2-1, in what Gilbert called the definition of a nail-biter.
“Though it was a low scoring game, both teams were constantly getting runners in scoring position but couldn’t get that key hit bring in some runs. There was a lot of good pitching and defense. Fortunately for us, the one Okanogan error came in a bases loaded situation and resulted in two runs. If you keep putting the ball in play, eventually good things happen,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert said it was a big win, not only because it gives them sole possession of first place, but it also came against a tough team on the road.
“There were also several scoring threats in the game that were answered by a key strikeout by Paulson or a good defensive play to bring the inning to a close. This type of win really shows how far this team has come defensively,” Gilbert said.
Cascade needed to win two of the next three league games to clinch at least a share of the league title and host the district tournament on Saturday, May 12.
Sarah Paulson had another great outing in the circle, pitching 7 innings, giving up 1 earned run with 10 strikeouts and 2 walks. Okanogan’s Bauer pitched 7 innings, giving up no earned runs on 5 hits with 5 strikeouts, 2 walks and 2 hit batters.
On April 27, Cascade played at Cashmere, wining 21-4. The game was called after four innings. Gilbert said he wasn’t given an explanation. The 10-run mercy rule applies after five innings.
“It was great to see our team come out and hit the ball well today. Several errors helped out, but we hit several balls hard today resulting in 16 hits over the four innings played. We have shown
improvement all year long on defense,” Gilbert said.
Truh Merriman pitched 3 innings, giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits with 2 strikeouts and no walks. Paulson pitched one inning, giving up no runs, no hits with 1 walk. Merriman was 4-for-5 with 4 RBIs. Lovelady was 2-for-4 with 4 RBIs.
“The offense has been slower to come along, so it was a welcome site to see us hit the ball the way we did today. We now need to get ready for a trip to Omak on Friday. If we win both we are league champs. If we split we are co-league champs. So, we still have some work to do and won’t be looking past our next game,” Gilbert said.
Cascade is 9-1 in league, 12-5 overall.
On April 18, Cascade beat Omak 11-1. The Kodiaks finish up the league schedule with double-header at Omak on Friday. Next Wednesday, May 9, they play a makeup game at Sultan. The District Tournament is May 12 at the CTL number one seed.
Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.