SUBMITTED BY BILLY ESTOK, BMS HEAD SOFTBALL COACH

 

Monday afternoon, the Bridgeport Lady Braves traveled to the Summit Park Softball Field to take on the Notre Dame Lady Irish in middle school softball action. For both teams, it was their first game of the 2018 season.

 

Notre Dame scored four times in the bottom of the first. A combination of three hits, three walks, and 2 hit batters led to the four runs. The Lady Irish added another run in the bottom of the second on three walks and a fielder’s choice to take a 5-0 lead.

 

The third inning saw the Lady Irish extend their lead to 6-0. With two out, a single followed by three consecutive walks pushed the sixth run across the plate.

 

In the top of the fifth, BMS got on the scoreboard. Mackenzi Matheny started the frame with a single. Matheny then stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Gabby Reep followed and was thrown out at first base after a dropped third strike. On the play, Matheny scored the only run for the Lady Braves.

 

Notre Dame added their final two runs in the bottom of the fifth. That made the final score Notre Dame 8 and Bridgeport 1.

 

Francesca Alvaro pitched a complete game for the Lady Irish to earn her first victory of the season.

 

Chloe Pethel was the starting pitcher for BMS and pitched the first three innings. She was followed in relief by Maddie Stallman, who also pitched three innings. Pethel was tagged with the pitching loss and her record became 0-1 on the season.

 

The Lady Braves return to action this afternoon when they travel to Shinnston to take on the Lincoln Lady Wildcats. First pitch is set for 4:30 p.m.