By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Iowa Falls, IA – On Tuesday, July 6, Humboldt softball lost their postseason opener to Iowa Falls-Alden by a score of 14-2 in four innings.
Humboldt was able to get on the board in the top of the first inning. Jori Hajek got a one out triple and was scored on a sacrifice bunt by Addie Thompson.
Iowa Falls responded with five runs in the bottom of the first. The first three batters were able to get on base before Hailey Bridgewater hit a grand slam into center field. One more run crossed the plate on a wild pitch to make it 5-1 after one.
Humboldt got one run back in the top of the second inning. Alexis Hansen led the inning off with a walk and came around to score on a defensive error. IFA scored seven runs in the bottom half of the second frame as 13 batters came to the plate.
After a scoreless third inning, Iowa Falls-Alden held the advantage of 12-2 going into the fourth inning. Humboldt was able to get the bases loaded with two outs in the top half but no runs scored. Iowa Falls got the two runs needed to end the game early (run rule of 12 or more runs advantage of three innings) in the bottom of the fourth.
Humboldt’s starting pitcher was Elsie Hubbell. She did not get an out after facing the first four IFA batters. Kendal Clark pitched an inning and one-third. Brianna Lange pitched the final two and two-thirds innings for the Wildcats.
Elise Osman pitched the complete game for Iowa Falls-Alden. She gave up two hits and two walks with only one earned run against her. She struck out three in the win.
The final stat report from Humboldt softball versus Iowa Falls-Alden in the opening round of the postseason can be found on Varsity Bound.
Humboldt’s season comes to a close with a 12-13 record. Their final North Central Conference record was 5-8.