Atlantic Softball Team edges Harlan in Extra innings

(Harlan) Jada Jensen’s RBI single in the top of the 8^th inning led Atlantic to a 2-1 win over Harlan at Harlan on Monday night.

Olivia Engler stroked a lead-off double off of the left-field fence, and Jensen drove home pinch-runner Ava Rush to give Atlantic a 2-1 lead. Engler retired the Cyclones in order in the bottom of the 8^th to secure the win for the Trojans.

“We used up Maleana Woodward, who had done her entry and re-entry,” said Atlantic Head Coach. “We called upon Jada to pinch-hit. After a failed bunt attempt we let Jada do what she does best and that’s hit-away. She launched the ball in right-center field, and Rush with good speed scored from second base.”

Engler allowed just one run on one hit, struck out 10, and walked no one. Emily Brouse blasted a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning, otherwise, Engler and the Trojan defense didn’t allow a base runner.

“I know Engler would like to have had that pitch back,” said Hinzmann. “Other than that she kept a good hitting team off balance the entire night. She used the change-up and her rise ball worked well, and she  got stronger as the game moved along.”

Brouse led off the bottom of the second with the solo shot to grab a 1-0 lead. The Trojans tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third. McKenzie Waters tripled and scored on a squeeze play off the bat of Alyssa Derby.

“MaKenzie did a nice job turning on an inside pitch and used her speed to get all the way to third base,” said Hinzmann. “Alyssa Derby took a look at one pitch to gauge the speed and then laid a bunt to squeeze MaKenzie home. Derby is a heck of an athlete and she got the bunt down. We knew it was going to be close, and we needed score runs any way we could.”

The Trojans scored two runs on seven hits. Engler led the way with two singles and a double. Waters tripled, and Madison Botos, Reagan Pellett, and Jada Jensen each hit singles.

The Trojans move into sole possession of the first place in the Hawkeye Ten Conference with a 7-0 record, and 9-1 overall. Harlan goes to 6-1 in league play, and 9-2 overall.