60th article at the Independent

PREP SOFTBALL: Panthers split season opener at home against KMS

CHRIS DRUMMOND cdrummond@marshallindependent.com

TRACY — After having its first few games of the season postponed, the Tracy-Milroy-Balaton softball team took to the field for the first time this year in a doubleheader matchup Thursday against Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg. The Panthers were able to earn a hard-fought split, falling in Game 1 15-12, but bounced back with a 10-0 victory in five innings in Game 2.

The Panthers would take an early lead in Game 1, getting three runs in the first inning. However, the Fighting Saints would respond and eventually overtake the Panthers, leading 5-4 after three innings. Then in the next two innings, the Fighting Saints would score a combined total of nine runs, extending their lead to six as they were up 15-9 after six. The Panthers would not go down without a fight, scoring three runs in the top of the seventh inning but it wasn’t enough as they fell 15-12. Catcher Kiarra Danielson went 4 for 4, with three singles and two RBI. Teammate Margaret Dolan had three hits, with two doubles and added two RBI as well.

Game 2

In game two it was a much different story with the Panthers. TMB would not allow a run and Margaret Dolan would pitch a complete game in just five innings of work as the Panthers won 10-0. Danielson went 3 for 3, with two singles and three RBI, perfect batting in both games going 7 for 7, with five singles and five RBI. Margaret Dolan would have two more hits and three RBI as well. Head coach Karl Campbell would assess his team’s play in Thursday’s games and the lack of practice for both teams.

“We have had a couple of partial days of practice outside and they only have been outside once,” Campbell said. “You can tell everyone is fighting it, you can tell with the way we played, we haven’t been outside enough.”

Campbell also added about how he likes his team moving forward.

“It is no secret we can bunt and move people on the bases,” Campbell added. “We got some girls that can hit, they just have to trust themselves. To get a split versus KMS, one of the better teams in the conference, is something I can live with.”

TMB is back in action today as they will travel to face off against MACCRAY in doubleheader action starting at 4:30 p.m.

Game 1

KMS 15, TMB 12

Hitting TMB (Danielson 4-4, 2 RBI; Margaret Dolan 3-5, 2 RBI; Edwards 2-4, 2 RBI; Hanson 2-5, RBI; Gernentz 1-5, RBI; Camille Dolan 1-2, 3BB, RBI; Petersen 1-6).

Pitching (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): TMB (Peterson 2-8-7-3-5-2; M. Dolan 4-7-7-10-3-2).

Game 2

TMB 10, KMS 0 (5 innings)

Hitting: TMB (Danielson 3-3, 3 RBI; M. Dolan 2-4, 3 RBI; C. Dolan 1-3; Gernentz 1-2, 2 RBI; Hensch 1-2).

Pitching (IP-R-ER-H-BB-SO): TMB (M. Dolan 5-0-0-2-4-0).