Above: Kaylee Karels sets up for a throw after a running catch in left field. Ava Hahn moved in to help.
Down 4-1 in the bottom of the fourth, the host Clipper girls rallied for seven runs but couldn’t hang on and fell 11-8 to state-ranked Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s on Tuesday.
“The girls from Sleepy Eye play a lot of ball in the summer,” said head coach Mike Barten. They’re used to being aggressive on the bases. They anticipate and don’t react. They’re used to the quick speed of the game, and we’re still learning, but we’re getting there.”
The Clippers posted a run in the first when Harley Connor doubled, stole third. Running for her, Ava Hahn scored on a dropped ball in short left field.
With one out in the fourth, Ashley Connor walked. Grayce Kortuem singled, and top-of-the-order Kaylee Karels walked. Sophie Shouler got on board when the Knights tried to make a play at home. Harley Connor got on board on an error, and Emily Kern singled. Cassandra Connor reached first on a third strike and a catcher error, and Laci Hollerich swung the bat for two RBIs and an 8-4 Clipper advantage.
But that was it for the Clipper scoring, and the Knights responded in the top of the fifth with three singles that resulted in four runs. On a double and a Clipper error they added two more in the sixth, and on a pair of singles, they put the finishing touches on the victory in the seventh.
“We knew they were going to hit, and we were ready for that, ” Barten said.
The Clippers couldn’t string enough together though, he said.
“A bounce here or there…the gal in left made a diving catch that would have scored two runs in the second for us. I liked where we are. They girls aren’t scared. I love how we’re hitting through the lineup. We just need to tighten up the defense a little bit. I am hoping we get to see them again.”
The Clippers struck out six times and totaled six hits. Karels had two singles. Harley Connor had a double. Shouler, Kern and Kortuem each had a single.
Barten said he would like to see his team get bunts down better.
“We’re still lunging at the ball, especially with runners on. We need to put pressure on the defense and see if we can get them to throw it around.”
Going the distance, Kern struck out two, walked two and surrendered a dozen hits. The Clippers had one error. SESM fought through three errors.
The Clippers take on Martin County West today (Friday) at Caswell Park in North Mankato. The Clippers beat the Mavericks earlier in the season, but MCW now has a higher QRF.