SKOWHEGAN — The Skowhegan softball team took another step forward Friday in its quest to repeat as Class A champs.
The top-seeded River Hawks rolled to a 13-1 victory over No. 7 Brewer in a Class A North quarterfinal game that was shortened to five innings because of the 10-run rule. Skowhegan (15-2) will host No. 3 Oxford Hills on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the semifinals. The Vikings (14-3) beat Camden Hills 10-2 in a quarterfinal game Friday.
Brewer finished 4-14.
“It’s pretty nice (to win), but we’re better than we played today,” said junior pitcher Sierra Carey, who had a double and two RBIs for the River Hawks. “Hopefully, we’re better and have more energy (Saturday) against Oxford Hills.”
“It’s nice to get the win,” added Skowhegan head coach Lee Johnson. “I think it was hard for us (Friday), probably hard for a lot of teams. We had 10 days since we had a game that really meant something (in the regular season finale). That’s a long stretch to go on. We did have a scrimmage, but I think it showed a little bit today. We’ll definitely have to be better (Saturday).”
Skowhegan jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning, when Carey plated Jaycie Christopher from third on a sacrifice fly. But the proverbial flood gates opened in the second and third innings, when the River Hawks scored a combined 11 runs on seven hits.
Skowhegan also showed patience at the plate, taking eight walks. The River Hawks were also aggressive on the base paths, with eight steals, four of which came from shortstop Jaycie Christopher.
“We had to have some patience at the plate, I think the kids executed well,” Johnson said. “We took advantage of some baserunning stuff. Overall, not a bad performance.”
Callaway LePage had two hits for the River Hawks, including a triple, and had two RBIs. Annabelle Morris added a single and two RBIs.
Carey held the Witches at bay in the circle, allowing a run on one hit while striking out six. She walked just one.
“Our defense (has been key),” Carey said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be the pitcher I am without the defense I have behind me.”
Brewer’s lone run came in the third inning, when Jordin Williams smacked an RBI single that plated Hannah Reed.
It’s the second time this season the River Hawks have sank the Witches. Skowhegan beat Brewer 11-3 on May 14.
The River Hawks are no strangers to the Vikings. Skowhegan beat Oxford Hills 16-5 in the regular season finale on May 31. Both teams also met in the A North semifinals last season, with the River Hawks pulling out a 3-2 victory.
“Both of us (have a quick turnaround) and they have to make the drive,” Johnson said. “It is what it is. Both teams have to come and give it their best shot, we certainly know that.”
Dave Dyer – 621-5640
ddyer@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @Dave_Dyer
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
