Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Washington softball hangs on
Mid-Prairie’s late rush stopped just short in Washington County battle
WASHINGTON — The Mid-Prairie softball team came roaring back from a 4-1 deficit in Washington on Wednesday night, but the comeback fell just 90-feet short and the Demons held on for a 4-3 win.
Washington short stop Kendall Hinrichsen narrowly threw out a runner at first base as the Golden Hawks’ tying run was coming across the plate. After a discussion and some controversy, the runner was ruled out and the Demons could breathe a sigh of relief.
The win was Washington’s fifth-straight game that was decided by three runs or less. Three of those were one-run games.
“It's a good thing when you look at it, because you want to play in pressure moments,” said Washington head coach Ben Obermann. “You're going to be in pressure moments the entire tournament trail.”
Mid-Prairie nearly had a crooked number on the board in the top of the first, as the Golden Hawks filled the bases and had some opportunities to score more than the one run they did off Washington pitcher Bella Salazar, but just one run came through in the top of the first, and the Demons tied it up in the bottom of the second.
Mid-Prairie starter Sydney Knebel did get out of a first inning jam with the game still tied, but Washington’s Colbie Greiner broke the tie with an RBI double in the third, and lone senior Haley Mitchell recorded a senior-night RBI single to make it 4-1.
The Golden Hawks scored two runs in the top of the seventh, but Salazar once again wiggled free before enough damage could be done.
“Bella had great composure in the circle,” Obermann said. “It wasn't our greatest effort defensively, and Bella showed a lot, staying composed and getting herself out of those jams.”
The Golden Hawks spread out six hits against Salazar, who struck out seven of them over a complete-game seven innings.
Ella Greiner had the biggest night at the plate, going 1-for-3 with an RBI. Colbie Greiner and Lauren Hinrichsen each had an RBI for Washington.
Washington moved to 21-12 with the win. Mid-Prairie is now 12-16.
