Tiger Cubs top Monrovia for first WCC win
Staff reports
MONROVIA -- Greencastle softball has spent the last several games on the verge of winning. They are on the verge no longer, as the Tiger Cubs defeated Monrovia Monday night by a score of 11-4. It was Greencastle's first WCC win in two years. The Tiger Cubs improved to 2-11 on the year and 1-5 in WCC play.
The Tiger Cubs got an early start, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring five runs in the first inning.
Cassie Alspaugh pitched four innings despite being ill. She tossed innings of no-hit ball, striking out six and walking five.
"I liked Cassie's determination to go out there tonight and pitch a good game," said Tiger Cubs coach Dave Keller. "She wanted the ball. We could've started either pitcher, but Cassie had the look that she wanted to at least give it a try, and she performed well."
After four innings, Keller could see Alspaugh tiring, so he pulled her for Kayla Nobles. Nobles tossed the next three innings, giving up only three hits.
Keller, who has seen his team so close only to find disappointment recently, was thrilled with the victory.
"We hit the ball well tonight as a team. Everyone contributed to this win, and it was a good win for the program. The girls have been so close in the past couple of weeks and it was nice to see them get the win," he said.
"All 12 players batted in the game and they all contributed to this win in one way or another. This team is not that far off and we keep getting better and better as the season progresses," Keller added.
"I can't say enough about this group of girls and the support they have given each other this year. They are all so supportive of each other through thick and thin and I am fortunate to be able to be around a group of young ladies that act as this group does," Keller said.
The Tiger Cubs host Monrovia today at 4:30 p.m.
At Monrovia
Greencastle 511 003 1 -- 11 9 3
Monrovia 200 000 2 -- 4 3 2
W -- Alspaugh
L -- Witt
2B -- Miller
Next game -- Greencastle hosts Monrovia at 4:30 p.m. today.
COUNTY SOFTBALL ROUNDUP
Eagles lose on road
TRAFALGAR -- Three runs over the last three innings were not enough for South Putnam to overcome and early 5-0 defecit Monday at Indian Creek. The Eagles fell to the Braves, 7-3.
Four runs in the first inning against South's Samantha Tomasino were all the Braves would need, as the Eagles were shut out until the fifth inning. While Tomasino's home run helped her own effort, it was not enough for the victory.
South returns to action tonight when it hosts Clay City at 4:30 p.m. today.
At Indian Creek
South Putnam 000 011 1 -- 3 6 3
Indian Creek 410 020 X -- 7 7 2
W -- Stich
L -- Tomasino
2B -- Birt (SP)
HR -- Tomasino (SP)
Next game -- South Putnam hosts Clay City tonight at 4:30 p.m.
Clovers fall, 14-3
CLOVERDALE -- Speedway had a huge first inning, collecting seven hits while Cloverdale committed five errors. When the dust cleared, the Sparklplugs had a 10-0 lead.
Cloverdale did not give up, though.
"After that inning (we) played much better," said Cloverdale coach Greg Crum.
Although the Clovers were on the verge of being 10-run-ruled the entire night, they fought off an early end with two runs in the second and another in the fifth.
It was a night of missed opportunities, as the Clovers left nine runners on base. The Clovers are now 3-11 with a 2-6 WCC mark.
Cloverdale travels to Speedway at 5 p.m. today.
At Cloverdale
SHS (10)00 110 3 -- 14 10 3
CHS 020 010 0 -- 3 5 8
W -- Roth
L -- Wiley
2B -- McCammon (CL)
Next game -- Cloverdale travels to Speedway today at 5 p.m.
North downs Cadets
CLAYTON -- North Putnam softball improved its record in WCC play to 5-3 Monday with a 6-1 win at Cascade.
Brook Miller led the Cougars on both sides of the ball. She tossed a two-hitter, striking out 10 Cadets. Offensively, she went 3-for-3 with a walk. Alyssa Simpson picked up two hits.
The two teams face each other again tonight at North Putnam at 5 p.m.