(Ft. Dodge, IA) — Has there been any other softball team in the state that has had such a flair for the dramatic? Audubon walks off again for their third game in a row — this time Senior Michelle Brooks bangs a 2 run Double to beat Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont 3-2 and advances to the 2A State Title game on Friday evening.
The game was very quiet through the first 3 innings. Audubon could do nothing with Rockets starter Lanie Batterson — just 1 hit and 1 baserunner. Riley Miller, meanwhile, did have some control issues early in the game but still held Eddyville hitless in the first 3, only allowing 1 walk.
In the top of the 4th, Eddyville broke through with a 1 out single from Megan Lobberecht. Sadie Jager followed with another base hit; Miller would get ahead of Aliya Waggamon but she drilled an 0-2 pitch into the gap in right center to score both runners and the Rockets took the lead 2-0.
The Wheelers continued to struggle at the plate. Miller got a 2 out walk in the 4th; Audubon was retired in order in the 5th; Gemini Goodwin singled to open the 6th but Mattie Nielsen hit a sharp grounder towards short and the ball took a major hop right into Lobberecht’s glove, she stepped on 2nd and fired to first for an incredible double play. All the bounces were going Eddyville’s way.
That set up the bottom of the 7th and Jordan Porsch would start the rally with a hard hit up the middle. She moved to 2nd on a wild pitch and then Miller walked for the second time — Lucy Stanerson came to run. Alexis Obermeier then drilled a single to right center that would score Porsch and Audubon was on the board with the lead cut in half. There was still more work to do. Next up was Addie Hocker who got a bunt down but Batterson fielded it and threw home to get Stanerson for out number one. By this time Maya King was running for Obermeier who reached third on the bunt; Hocker would stead 2nd with Michelle Brooks at the plate. And with the tying and go ahead runners in scoring position, Brooks drilled a shot down the right field line that fell in fair for a base hit — King scored and then Hocker came around as well for the game winning run and Audubon was in the 2A finals.
Taryn Peterson had the game winning hit in the regional final over Maple Valley; Riley Miller had the game winning hit to beat West Monona in the first round of the state tournament. And now it was Michelle Brooks turn
Wheelers Head Coach Andrea Schwery on more Audubon magic
Senior Jordan Porsch started the rally
Miller would retired the last 10 batters she faced and only allowed 3 hits, all in the 4th inning. Audubon improves to 9-1 in one run games.
Now Audubon faces its toughest test — #1 Van Meter in the 2A State Finals on Friday night. Game time will be at 5:00 pm, coverage on 96.5 FM KSOM
Eddyville 2 runs, 3 hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB
Audubon 3 runs, 5 hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB
Win: Riley Miller, 17-2
Loss: Lanie Batterson, 21-12
Time: 1:20
Eddyville (23-14)
Audubon (29-4)
