By Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Thursday night the Merrill softball team hosted the Rhinelander Hodags in the regional finals. Rhinelander got the jump on Merrill going up two runs early, but Merrill would fight back and take the 10-3 win.
The Hodags got out to a good start, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning on two singles followed by a big double. Merrill was quick to respond, scoring four runs in the bottom of the second inning. Lindsey Casper led off the inning with a double to left field. Walks to Megan Schroder and Kelsie Belfiori would then load the bases for Patience Pyan who singled to center field, scoring two runs. Maddix Bonnell then singled to left field, scoring two more Merrill runs.
Rhinelander struck back in the top of the fourth inning, scoring one run to make it a 4-3 game in favor of Merrill. The Jays were quick to get that one run back as they scored in the bottom of the fourth. A leadoff single by Belfiori, followed by a Pyan bunt, and Bonnell single put runners on first and third for Calli Oberg. Oberg would drive in the run from third hitting a sacrifice fly ball to left field.
Merrill added three more runs to their lead in the fifth inning to take a commanding 8-3 lead. A single by Casper got the Jays started, followed by a Makayla Heller walk, and a fielders choice by Maddi Weix to score Casper. An error by Rhinelander would allow another run to score for Merrill, and leave runners on first and third. Pyan would then single to left field to score Weix from third. Two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning sealed the game for Merrill as they took a 10-3 lead. With runners on first and third Maddi Weix singled to center field, scoring a run. An error on a Belfiori ground ball allowed another run to score as that would be all the scoring for the game, with Merrill taking the win.
Taylor Krueger had another great game on the mound, pitching seven innings while allowing only three runs on 10 hits, and striking out five batters while walking none.
Pyan led the charge for the Merrill offense, driving in three runs on two hits, and scoring once. Bonnell also had a nice game with two hits in four tries, driving in two runs. Other notable hitters include: Casper (3-4, 2 doubles, 3 runs), Belfiori (2-4, RBI, 2 runs), Maddi Weix (1-4, 2 RBI, 1 run) and Oberg (1-2, RBI, BB).
Merrill will be back on the field on Tuesday as they will play the winner of top seeded Mosinee and five seeded Antigo/White Lake. Time and location is to be determined.
Merrill will be back on the field on Tuesday as they will play the winner of one seeded Mosinee and five seeded Antigo/ White lake. Time and location is to be determined.