Softball
CUSTER- Mason County Eastern and Manistee Catholic Central split a nonconference softball doubleheader Tuesday with the Sabers taking the first game 9-2 and the Cardinals coming back to win the nightcap 9-8.
"In the second game, we scored three runs in the sixth inning and four in the seventh to take a 9-4 lead into the bottom of the seventh," said Eastern coach Bill Cole. "Catholic scored four times and had runners on second and third when the game ended."
With the split, the Cardinals finished the regular season at 23-12.
In the opening game, Melanie Stickney was the starting pitcher for Eastern. The senior went the first 2 1/3 innings, allowing five hits and five walks while fanning five. Junior Kara Bryan came on to pitch the final 4 2/3 innings. She gave up no hits, but surrendered 12 walks while fanning five.
Shortstop Courtney Harris led the Cardinal's six-hit attack with a triple. Catcher Jessica Budzynski and third baseman Heather Salmon each hit a double.
In the second game, Stickney started on the rubber once again. She worked 4 2/3 frames, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two.
Bryan pitched the last 2 1/3 to earn the win. She gave two hits and three walks while whiffing four.
Salmon paced the Eastern bats by hitting a pair of doubles and a single. Nikki Kolean doubled and singled and Allie Kessel and Budzynski each doubled for the Cardinals.
Reprinted with the permission from the Ludington Daily News.