The best cure for inexperience is to play games, and the Wood River softball team will get plenty of opportunities in the next two weeks to remedy the youthful errors that have recently plagued the squad.
"We are really up and down. We are really good or we're not," coach Dale Martin noted. "We're making a lot of mistakes and have been very inconsistent. Sam Engel pitches a one-hitter, but we make seven errors."
Engel, who at 6-7 has appeared on the mound in every game for the Wolverines this season, limited the Century to one hit and struck out 12 in the first of two home games at the South Valley Sports Complex Saturday. Tied 2-2 on a 2 RBI single by Josie Dawson in the first inning, the Wolverines gave up five runs in the latter frames to lose 7-3.
Engel and the Wolverines bounced back with a solid effort in the nightcap, winning 5-1. Engel scattered six hits, but allowed no walks, fanning 13.
"She pitched a gem," Martin said. "We talked between games and the whole team came back and played well."
Alex Lindbloom smacked three hits (2 doubles) and 3 RBI. Madison Gove was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Angela Coleman singled, scored a run, and drove in one run. Wood River had eight hits altogether.
On Thursday, the Wolverines hosted Great Basin Conference West opponent Jerome for a doubleheader in Hailey. Tied 1-1, the Tigers enjoyed a 6-run sixth without hitting the ball out of the infield in an 8-4 victory over the Wolverines. Both teams committed five errors. Jerome claimed the nightcap 4-3, icing the game by turning a double play with the Wolverines threatening in the seventh. In two games, Engel struck out 13 and allowed just four earned runs.
"I really like this team and have a lot of confidence in them," Martin said. "I think playing a lot of games in the next two weeks is really going to help us get in a groove. It's all spring training until you get to districts."
Wood River gets a daily dose of doubleheaders in the near future with games at Skyview on Friday, Twin Falls Saturday and home against Burley on Tuesday, April 28. The date marks Senior Night for the Wolverines honoring upperclassmen Sam Engel and Angela Coleman.
Seniors Angela Coleman (left) and Samantha Engel have anchored the Wood River softball team this season.
Photo by Willy Cook
