Clutch hitting and base running lifted the Wood River softball team to a narrow 5-4 victory over Century in Hailey Tuesday.
Trailing 4-3 in the home seventh, the Wolverines plated two runs to capture the contest against the vaunted Diamondbacks.
"I got the one I really wanted," coach Dale Martin said. "Century came in a pretty good ball club with only two losses, so I was happy to get the win."
Wood River (4-5, 0-2 league) outhit Century by a slim 8-7 margin and overcame four errors in the field to nab the win. Pitcher Catherine Beck (3-4) turned in a complete game with nine strikeouts.
Century carried a 2-1 lead into the fifth frame, but back to back hits by the Wolverines erased the deficit. Dani Stone reached on an error. Base knocks by Alexa Alberdi, Genii Vert (3 runs) and Jamie Stone scored two to put the Wolverines up 3-2.
Again the pressure was on the hometown Wolverines in the seventh after Century went on top 4-3 with two runs in the final frame.
Leighandra Roberts drew a walk and Vert reached base on an error. Vert subsequently scored from second base on a fielder's choice by Stone (2 hits, 1 run). With two out, Stone went to second on a key hit by Ali Sherbine. With a 2-2 count on batter Lisa Nilsen, Stone got the signal to steal third. The attempted pick-off by the catcher went wide and Stone romped home for the game winning run.
Century avenged the loss, winning the nightcap 11-1 in five innings. Second-baseman Alexa Alberdi suffered a knee injury in the second frame and had to leave the game. Martin did not know the extent of the damage on Wednesday.
Wood River hosted Burley on Thursday, and will entertain Twin Falls at 4:30 p.m. today, Friday, April 15. Hailey travels to Pocatello tomorrow for a make up game.
Wood River pitcher Catherine Beck has won her last two starts for the softball team. She fanned nine of the Diamondback batters on Tuesday.
