Pirate Softball sparking again with wins over Lady Crusaders

By Loyal Baker

SUNNYSIDE–Keely Maves stood out on the mound in Pomeroy's season-opening double bill here last Saturday, throwing a no-hitter in the first game as the team was awash with hits and runs as the Lady Pirates' two wins opened the covid Spring Sports season.

The team visited Liberty Christian for a double header last Tuesday then will break for Spring Vacation until resuming play at home versus Garfield-Palouse on April 13.

The pair of wins were league counters.

"Keely Maves led the team pitching a no-hitter in the first game and got six hits on the day," said Head Coach Jessica Nelson. "We hit the ball really well and the girls got their spark back!"

Hitting well was key to the wins, as was the Lady Crusaders' 19 errors and almost nonexistent hitting, attributed to Maves's performance on the mound.

In the opener, the Pirates warmed up with two runs in the top of the first, then added eight in the fourth and another eight in the fifth to close the game on the ten-run rule. Maves and Emily Ruchert each counted a pair of hits with four teammates adding to the effort

The Lady Buccaneers left no doubt in game two, jumping to a 6-0 lead and making it 14-0 before the Lady Crusaders counted their first run. Maves had four hits, Ruchert and T. Gilbert nailed two each with other teammates contributing.

Game 1

R H E

Pom 200 88-18 7 3

SSC 000 11-2 0 11

Batteries: PHS-Maves and Herres. SSC-Andringa and Alseth.

Hits: PHS-N. Bryson, M. Kowatsch, K. Maves 2, E. Ruchert 2, K. Dixon. SSC-No information.

Game 2

R H E

Pom 608 60-20 14 2

SSC 001 10-2 1 8

Batteries: PHS-Maves, Elizabeth Ruchert (3) and Herres. SSC-Z. Prins to Alseth.

Hits: PHS-N. Bryson, M. Kowatsin, K. Maves 4, E. Ruchert 2, K. Schmidt, T. Gilbert 2, K. Dixon, N. Larios, I. Field. SSC-B. Faber.