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Bradford
first baseman Haley Rosengarten scores the first run of the
game Tuesday against
Tri-County North in the season opening Cross
County Conference game. Bradford scored a 4-3
victory to go 3-0 on the
young season. CNO Photo by George Starks
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Lady Roaders
remain perfect in young season
Bradford scores dramatic victory
By George Starks
BRADFORD- If there is one thing that can be said about the Bradford
Lady Railroaders softball team, it all boils down to one word:
Drama!
Following in line with their two opening game wins over Coldwater (8-6)
and New Bremen (9-5), the Roaders posted a dramatic 4-3 win over
Tri-County North Tuesday in the Cross County Conference opener.
“In every game we’ve played, the other team had a surge and comeback on
us,” said Bradford coach Shon Schaffer. “Every team we’ve played so far
has comeback on us. I don’t know if it’s a lack of focus or what but
its early and we’ll work on that.”
Holding a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh, Bradford
pitcher Tori Smith seemed to be in cruise control.
Needing a mere three outs, what seemed to be a lock turned into
anything but that.
With one down and two on, Smith watched Panther freshman Taylor Green
step to the plate.
In two trips to the plate, Green had struck-out both times.
The third time proved to be a charm for Green.
Staring at a 0-2 count, Green drilled the next pitch over the
left-center field fence for a three run jack.
At that point, Smith buckled down, getting Brooke Timmons on strikes
and inducing Cassie Stinson to fly out to center to end the game.
Through six innings, Smith seemed to be untouchable.
The Bradford hurler had fanned five (seven on the night) without
walking a batter despite one error being made by the defense.
“Tori is phenomenal. She’s one of the best in the conference,” said
Schaffer. “She’s a senior and she’s going to keep us close in every
game. Tonight, she was just one pitch away from a shut-out. The homerun
was a drop ball that didn’t drop and you’ll get that every now and
then.”
In the field, the Roaders were solid.
A first inning error and a seventh inning error accounted for only one
of the three runs scored in the game by the Panthers.
“We made some good outs,” said Schaffer. “We need to shore up some
outfield issues but we have the day off tomorrow (Wednesday) to work on
some game situations and fly balls.”
Bradford jumped on the wagon first scoring three big runs. Hart led off
with a double to left and later scored from third on a sacrifice bunt
by Smith giving Bradford the extra cushion it needed in a nail-biter
for the Bradford faithful.
“I was feeling good about the 3-0 lead,” said Schaffer. “The insurance
run proved to be the difference. We took advantage when North opened
the door for us and I preach to the girls all the time that we need to
take advantage of everything given to us.”
The Railroaders, now 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference will travel
to Twin Valley South tonight for a battle with another group of
Panthers in a CCC clash. (Weather permitting)
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