jchambers@oakdaleleader.com
If the Riverbank High softball squad scores five it seems like its opponent will find the inevitable sixth run somewhere in extra innings. That more often than not has been the case for a talented Lady Bruin squad that just can't seem to catch a break.
Riverbank put together an impressive showing in their final meeting against the Hughson Huskies, but for what feels like the 10th time in 10 games, the Huskies used a ninth inning run to squeeze past Riverbank 7-6 at Hughson High on April 21.
Lady Bruin pitcher Carlye Avey continues to keep her team in every contest she pitches in, spotting Hughson three runs in the first and then keeping their bats quiet over the next five innings.
Riverbank put together another productive day at the plate, combining for 10 hits in the loss and taking control of the game with a four-run second inning.
The Lady Bruins held the lead going into the game's final frame, but could do nothing to keep the Huskies off of the scoreboard as they chipped across two in the bottom of the seventh to force the game into extra innings.
In a make up game at home Wednesday with the Escalon Lady Cougars, the teams were scoreless until the sixth, when the visitors stole a run, their hitter reaching on a single, moving up on a passed ball, forcing the issue with a steal of third and coming in to score when the throw from the catcher went down the left field line.
They also allowed a run in the seventh, the Escalon team alertly sending a runner home on an infield out.
The starting pitcher for Escalon, ace Caitlin Brooks, mowed down 17 Lady Bruins via the strikeout, with Riverbank coach Cassi Ross then trying to bunt for a hit to get something going. The Lady Bruins had one hit, in the seventh inning, but did not score a run in the 2-0 loss. They had three errors, which resulted in an unearned run for Escalon.
Riverbank's struggles continued as they were handed a 3-0 shutout by the Modesto Christian Crusaders on Thursday, playing their third game in as many days. Modesto Christian held Riverbank to just one hit in the contest, but the Lady Bruins were never out of the ballgame with things resting in a scoreless tie after three innings of play. Late runs by MC carried them to the win.
The challenges will not get any easier for the Lady Bruins as they travel to take on the TVL's lone undefeated team in Escalon for a regularly scheduled game, followed by a contest against the Ripon Indians.
Riverbank will meet up with Escalon on April 30 and Ripon on May 5 in Ripon. Both contests are scheduled for 4 p.m. first pitches.
If the Riverbank High softball squad scores five it seems like its opponent will find the inevitable sixth run somewhere in extra innings. That more often than not has been the case for a talented Lady Bruin squad that just can't seem to catch a break.
Riverbank put together an impressive showing in their final meeting against the Hughson Huskies, but for what feels like the 10th time in 10 games, the Huskies used a ninth inning run to squeeze past Riverbank 7-6 at Hughson High on April 21.
Lady Bruin pitcher Carlye Avey continues to keep her team in every contest she pitches in, spotting Hughson three runs in the first and then keeping their bats quiet over the next five innings.
Riverbank put together another productive day at the plate, combining for 10 hits in the loss and taking control of the game with a four-run second inning.
The Lady Bruins held the lead going into the game's final frame, but could do nothing to keep the Huskies off of the scoreboard as they chipped across two in the bottom of the seventh to force the game into extra innings.
In a make up game at home Wednesday with the Escalon Lady Cougars, the teams were scoreless until the sixth, when the visitors stole a run, their hitter reaching on a single, moving up on a passed ball, forcing the issue with a steal of third and coming in to score when the throw from the catcher went down the left field line.
They also allowed a run in the seventh, the Escalon team alertly sending a runner home on an infield out.
The starting pitcher for Escalon, ace Caitlin Brooks, mowed down 17 Lady Bruins via the strikeout, with Riverbank coach Cassi Ross then trying to bunt for a hit to get something going. The Lady Bruins had one hit, in the seventh inning, but did not score a run in the 2-0 loss. They had three errors, which resulted in an unearned run for Escalon.
Riverbank's struggles continued as they were handed a 3-0 shutout by the Modesto Christian Crusaders on Thursday, playing their third game in as many days. Modesto Christian held Riverbank to just one hit in the contest, but the Lady Bruins were never out of the ballgame with things resting in a scoreless tie after three innings of play. Late runs by MC carried them to the win.
The challenges will not get any easier for the Lady Bruins as they travel to take on the TVL's lone undefeated team in Escalon for a regularly scheduled game, followed by a contest against the Ripon Indians.
Riverbank will meet up with Escalon on April 30 and Ripon on May 5 in Ripon. Both contests are scheduled for 4 p.m. first pitches.
