Demons, Comets split on the softball field

ELDON — Two of the Union area’s best up-and-coming softball teams went toe-to-toe in Eldon on Tuesday, as No. 13 (2A) Cardinal hosted Washington in a non-conference doubleheader.

Both games went right down to the wire, as the Demons scored an 8-7 comeback victory in Game 1, and the Comets hung on for a 4-3 win in Game 2.

Cardinal led 7-3 after four innings of Game 1, but Washington came roaring back with a five-run fifth inning. The Demon defense held from that point forward, and Washington got away with a one-run win.

Demon eighth-grader Colbie Greiner went 3-for-4 with her first high school home run, a double and three RBIs in the win. Bella Salazar and Halle Cuddeback each had two RBIs.

Salazar threw all seven innings, giving up seven runs (three earned) on 11 hits and one walk, while striking out three batters.

Cardinal’s Cynthia Albert was 3-for-4 with three RBIs in the win. Summer LaRue and Brinlee Ostrander each had an RBI.

Game 2 was tied 1-1 in the middle of the third inning. Cardinal went up 3-1 with a two-run third, and added one run in the fourth. Washington cut the lead to one with two in the sixth.

Cardinal’s Kinsey Hissem went 2-for-3 with an RBI in Game 2. Ostrander, Nicoa McClure and Ava Ferrell each knocked in one run.

McClure won the game in the circle for the Comets. She gave up just three runs (two earned) on six hits and two walks, while striking out five batters in seven innings.

Leighton Salazar was 2-for-4 for Washington in Game 2. Ella Greiner and Haley Mitchell each had an RBI.