Eagles edge Cadets to stay perfect

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
South Putnam's Megan Barnes connects on a double in the fourth inning of Monday's contest with Cascade. Her two-run blast helped keep the Eagles' perfect season alive.

GREENCASTLE -- South Putnam's strong start to the 2010 softball season continued Monday as the defeated conference foe Cascade 2-1. With the win, the Eagles are 7-0.

The game started with three scoreless innings, but two big hits in the bottom of the fourth inning for the Eagles gave them their two runs.

Janet Crafton reached on a single to get things going, and then Kelsey Whitaker knocked a double to center field to put two runners on. Two batters later, Megan Barnes blasted a shot to right-center field that plated Crafton and Whitaker, putting the Eagles up 2-0.

Cascade was able to put a runner on base in the top of the sixth inning, but it was a call by the umpire that brought in the Cadets only run on the night. South Putnam starting pitcher Brooke Boetjer was called for an illegal pitch, bringing a run across the plate. Boetjer was visibly upset by the call, but was able to calm herself and close down the side.

Leading 2-1 going into the top of the seventh inning, the Eagles took to the field and saved some of their best play for last.

The first batter up for Cascade crushed a shot that sailed to the right field fence. The Cadet rounded first, second and was halted at third when the relay throw came in. But a bobble caused Cascade's coach to send his runner home, but Eagle short stop Emily Dabkowski picked up the ball and rocketed a shot to catcher Jenny Thompson who snagged the ball a fraction of a second before the player reached home for the first out of the inning.

A strikeout by Boetjer and a routine ground out closed out the ball game and kept the Eagles perfect on the season. Boetjer recorded seven strikeouts in the contest.

South Putnam head coach Chris Jones commented after the game that he was pleased with the mental toughness his team displayed on Monday night. He also noted that he's anxious to see how his team responds when the two teams do battle tonight at the Cadets' home field.

South Putnam travels to Cascade tonight for a 5 p.m. start.

At South Putnam

Cascade 000 001 0 -- 1 1 1

S. Putnam 000 200 0 -- 2 6 0

WP -- Boetjer

2B -- Barnes, Whitaker (SP)

Next game -- South Putnam travels to Cascade tonight for a 5 p.m. start.