Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn seized the lead in the first inning and never relinquished it in earning an 8-5 victory over Gehlen Catholic June 18 at Hartley. The early lead was accomplished on the strength of a three-run home run by Gracie Knobloch. HMS added on to the lead and then withstood a comeback by the Jays.
“The girls played a great game,” said Hawk head coach Stephanie Bronstad. “The bats were hot most of the night and they played aggressively on the field. We have had a busy schedule and the girls keep battling for more W’s.”
After Frankie Mohni (single) and Eliza Tewes (walk) scored ahead of Knobloch, HMS was back at it again in the fourth inning. Cammy Wilson was hit by a pitch and moved to second on a two-out single by Kamryn Ebel. Mohni followed with a triple to plate both runners.
Gehlen scored its first two runs in the top of the fifth but the Hawks came back with three in the bottom of the inning. Consecutive walks to Knobloch, Mahkenzie Mattingly and Addy Sheeler filled the bases. After a pitching change and a strikeout Wilson hit a two-run single. Lexi Schmillen then followed with a base hit to drive in Sheeler.
The Jays scored three times in the sixth inning to narrow the deficit. They put two runners on in the top of the seventh but ground balls to first and then second ended the game.
Knobloch went the distance, allowing eight hits. She struck out eight batters and walked five. Four of Gehlen’s runs were earned. Each team committed two errors and each team left eight runners on base.
Gehlen 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 – 5
HMS 3 0 0 2 3 0 x – 8