LACEY – In a gown rehearsal, errors is usually a studying alternative as an alternative of a show-killer.
The Prairie softball staff hopes Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Gig Harbor within the bi-district semifinals is simply that – a information for what the Falcons have to tighten up earlier than subsequent weekend’s Class 3A state event.
Expensive errors and an absence of clutch hitting value Prairie (18-6) an opportunity to repeat as District 3-4 champion. Now the 3A Higher St. Helens League co-champ Falcons hope to make use of Saturday’s classes when dealing with the state’s greatest again right here at Regional Athletic Complicated.
“No matter, win or lose were going to learn something and be better,” Prairie coach Robyn Masks stated. “When we face a good team like that again, we’re going to be a better team.”
Runs had been at a premium in a matchup between two good pitchers. Prairie’s Mackenzie Moore had 15 strikeouts and Gig Harbor’s Daniel Biehl, although placing out six, allowed simply two hits and one stroll.
However fielding errors harm the Falcons, together with an error on a rundown between third and residential that allowed Gig Harbor to take a 1-0 lead within the prime of the third.
Prairie received that run again within the backside of the third as Moore doubled to drive in Jordynn Ciu. However Gig Harbor retook the lead on Payton Cantrell’s solo house run within the prime of the fourth.
One other Prairie error allowed Gig Harbor to get two extra runs within the prime of the fifth. Abby Cantrell’s two-run, two-out double got here two batters after a popup dropped within the infield.
Prairie left runners in scoring place within the second, third and fourth innings earlier than Biehl retired the final 11 batters in a row.
“We’ve got to tighten up our defense from today and get hits when we have runners on,” Masks stated. “Those clutch moments, that’s when we have to be at our best.”
Masks stated the important thing earlier than state is to flush Saturday’s loss and get again to what led the Falcons to wins in 12 of their prior 13 video games.
“The key is to believe in ourselves and play Prairie softball, the way we have been playing all year,” Masks stated. “When we go up there, we’re competitors and we’re there to win.”
3A GSHL co-champ Kelso will be a part of Prairie at state after two wins Saturday.
The Lassies (16-8) beat Central Kitsap 7-4 in a loser-out sport earlier than clinching a state berth with an 8-1 win over White River.
Paityn Mackin had 10 strikeouts and drove in three runs towards Central Kitsap. She then had 4 RBI, together with a two-run homer towards White River as Kylie Killett allowed simply three hits and walked none.
