Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn got dominant pitching, rock solid defense and enough runs to end the game early. The result was an 8-0 five-inning victory over Sibley-Ocheyedan in a Class 2A Region 3 opening round game played July 7 at Hartley.
“The girls took care of business tonight,” stated Hawk head coach Stephanie Bronstad. “We could have hit better but overall we had good offense and defense. Tomorrow’s practice plan is to focus on hitting and have some fun to get ready to go play West Lyon!”
Gracie Knobloch retired 15 of the 16 batters she faced. The only blemish was a leadoff single by the Generals in the second inning. Knobloch recorded six strikeouts. HMS was flawless in the field.
The Hawks made a strong opening statement with three runs in the first inning. Kamryn Ebel walked and stole second. She touched home on a base hit from Mahkenzie Mattingly. Knobloch singled to send Mattingly to third. After Knobloch took second, the stage was set for Eliza Tewes’ two run single.
Walks to Frankie Mohni, Mattingly and Tewes loaded the bases in the third. A ground ball forced out Mohni at the plate but Lindsey Van Es followed with a base hit to score Mattingly.
HMS ended the game with four runs in the fifth inning. Knobloch was hit by a pitch and Addy Sheeler singled. Van Es executed a bunt single to fill the bags. Cammy Wilson reached on an error with both Knobloch and Sheeler scoring. After Van Es was out at the plate on a fielder’s choice, Ebel knocked in Wilson with a base hit. Mohni then singled home Lexi Schmillen to end the proceedings via the eight-run rule.
Van Es was the only Hawk with two hits in the game. The singles by Ebel, Mohni, Mattingly, Knobloch, Tewes and Sheeler brought the team’s hit total to eight.
S-O 0 0 0 0 0 – 0
HMS 3 0 1 0 4 – 8