Opening dogfight

Wild doesn't quite cover it.

After three hours, 10 minutes on a frigid, prespring Monday evening, the North Mason High School softball team defeated Mason County rival Shelton 15-14 in an offensive shootout at Bulldog Field in Belfair.

It could have gone even longer.

Shelton led 19-15 with two on and two outs in the top of the 7th inning before the game was called on account of darkness. Because North Mason was unable to bat in its half of the inning, by rule the final score reverted to the end of the last completed inning.

"Overall, I thought we played a good game as a team," North Mason senior shortstop Sarah Pruitt wrote in a text message. "Definitely some room for improvements, but it was only the first game. I am super proud of the girls for never giving up, especially on offense, when Shelton took the lead. It was awesome to see everyone hitting the ball. I definitely think this year, we will be a team that never gives up, no matter the situation."

Pruitt, one of three players in the game who has signed to play collegiate softball next year, finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored. North Mason's Audrey Johnson was 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBI, while the Bulldogs' Alyssa Hatfield was 3-for-4 with four RBI and three runs scored. Emmalei Bybee had two hits and two RBI for North Mason (1-0). Senior Jordan Young hit a two-run homer in the second inning for the Bulldogs.

"I'm super proud of all my teammates," Pruitt said. "Definitely excited to see what this season has to offer. Also, shoutout to Jordan Young for hitting her first home run at the game."

Shelton's Ally Baumgart was 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored, while Sadie Mackiewicz was 3-for-4 with three RBI for the Highclimbers (0-2).

"What a crazy game," Shelton coach Rich Squire said in a text message. "I wish we could have finished it."

Officially, the teams combined for 29 runs, 27 hits, 25 RBI and 13 walks across the six completed innings.

"For our first game, I think our offense produced better than I thought it would," North Mason coach Steve Valley said in a text message. "We have some great leaders on this team that will keep our girls motivated. We have a lot of girls fighting hard for a position on the field."

North Mason led 1-0 in the first inning and took a 3-1 lead in the second on Young's shot to left center.

Shelton stormed back with a five-run third to take a 5-3 lead and led 7-5 in the fourth before North Mason put up a five-spot in the bottom of the fourth to regain the advantage at 10-7.

Both teams scored twice in the fifth, which ended with the Bulldogs up 12-9.

The Climbers scored five in the top of the sixth to go up 14-12, before North Mason again rallied with three runs in its half of the inning for the 15-14 lead.

"We have to clean up our little mistakes and play solid defense to help out our pitchers," Valley said. "I believe our pitching will get better and better the more innings they get to throw. They are aware of what needs to be done and are working hard to improve every day."

Author Bio

Justin Johnson, Editor

Shelton-Mason County Journal & Belfair Herald
Email: [email protected]