Ranked top in the state, Randolph came to Cleveland on Tuesday, racked up 14 hits and downed the Clipper varsity girls 18-1 in four innings.
“It was just a good team. We thought Lake Crystal was good, but Randolph hit as well and maybe better,” said head coach Mike Barten.
While Sophie Shouler led off the bottom of the first with a homer and tied the game 1-1, it was one of just three hits the Clippers would have.
It was all Randolph from then on.
On a pair of hits, the Rockets scored a run in the first. In the second, the first two batters got on board on Clipper errors. With a pair of singles, a pair of doubles and a homer, they scored six runs in the second. One more run came in the third after an error and a pair of singles. In the fourth, they went on a 10-run rampage on two singles, a trio of doubles, a hit batter and two walks.
“Our girls kept their heads up and made a few good plays,” Barten said. “We just need to get rid of an inning where we give them an out or two. That contributed to some extra runs.”
Hailey Plonsky took the loss. She struck out one. With no outs, Lilly Lamont took over to face the fourth hitter in the fourth. She also struck out one. The Clippers committed five errors.
“I asked the kids to compete and give effort, and I looked at the uniforms afterwards, and everyone in the field was dirty, so the effort was there.” Barten said.
Greta Hahn singled in the third and stole second. Laci Hollerich singled in the fourth. The Clippers struck out five times in 15 plate appearances.
“It will get better,” Barten said. “It’s only our fourth game. As it warms up, and we get some games under our belts, it will get better.”
The Clippers travel to Welcome tomorrow (Thursday) to take on Martin County West. On Saturday, they play three games at Caswell Park in North Mankato.
Above: Greta Hahn got a lot of action at second in the final inning. Here, she tosses out a runner at first.