The Canfield Cardinals Varsity softball team secured a 9-3 victory over the West Branch Lady Warriors on Thursday at West Branch High School. A five-run explosion in the fifth inning proved to be the difference in the game.
Canfield got on the board early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning. Marina Koenig singled to the right side of the infield, and Caylee Ortiz followed with a sacrifice fly to give Canfield a 2-0 lead. West Branch responded quickly in the bottom of the first, as Klary McKay hit a single, and Sara Schmidt stole home to tie the game at 2-2.
The Cardinals took the lead back in the top of the second inning. Sydney Lutz hit into a fielder's choice, allowing one run to score and putting Canfield ahead, 3-2.
West Branch managed to tie the game again in the bottom of the third, with Josie Milliken hitting a sacrifice fly to bring in a run, making it 3-3.
However, Canfield broke the game open in the top of the fifth, scoring five runs on five hits. The biggest blow came from Koenig, who drove in two runs with a double on an 0-2 count, pushing the lead to 8-3.
Ortiz earned the win for Canfield, going five and one-third innings while giving up five hits and one earned run. She struck out four and walked none. West Branch's McKay took the loss after pitching four innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on eight hits. Paris Lindgren came in as relief for Canfield, allowing one hit and two unearned runs in one and two-thirds innings.
Offensively, Canfield had a strong day at the plate, collecting 14 hits. Koenig led the team with three RBIs, going 2-for-4. Leadoff hitter Jenna Triveri was 4-for-5, while Sami Economous and Alexis Johnson each had multiple hits. Koenig also stole two bases as part of a team effort that saw the Cardinals steal four bases in total.
For West Branch, Milliken and McKay each drove in a run, and Mati Hawk went 2-for-4 to lead the Lady Warriors in hits.
What's Next:
West Branch will look to regroup as they travel to Girard on Saturday, with the game scheduled for 1 PM.
