Hot bats lead to big win for Lions

(Above) Clear Lake’s Chelsey Holck just misses the play at first base, as the Go-Hawk runner squeaks by.  The Lions topped Waverly-Shell Rock, 13-5.  -Reporter photo by Chris Barragy

by Marianne Gasaway

The Clear Lake softball team used a seven-run second inning on their way to a 13-5 win over Waverly-Shell Rock Wednesday, May 22, to open up their season.

The Go-Hawks got off to a quick start, scoring two runs in the first and another in the third.  The Lions also put a run on the board in the first, but with seven in the second and another in the fourth they were sitting pretty with a 9-3 lead through four.

Three more runs in the fifth and another in the sixth provided a cushion which W-SR could not overcome.  Their seventh inning rally attempt was stopped at one run for a 13-5 final.

The Lions had 11 hits on the night, led by Bella Parker with two hits in four trips to the plate.  Parker scored three runs and had two RBIs.

Kaylee Nosbisch also had a hot bat.  The senior was three-for-three and scored two runs.  She batted in two runs.

Julia Merfeld also had multiple hits.  She had two hits, two runs and two stolen bases in the win.

Freshman Ashlyn Fread earned the win on the mount. She allowed four hits and three runs.  She struck out one in two innings pitched.  Rachel Thornton threw four innings, allowing four hits and one run.  She struck out three.  Alivia Hauge came in to pitch one frame.  She gave up one run on one hit and struck out one.

The pitching trio did not walk a batter.

“It was nice to see us come out and play wel,” said Coach Austin Peterson.  “Our bats were going, pitchers threw strikes and we fielded well.  We still have things we need to work on, but it was a great start to the season!”