Indees surge past Norse for DC win
The Independence/Gilmanton softball team fell behind Whitehall early again last week, but this time the Indees came from behind to avenge a loss from earlier this season with a 12-10 win.
Like they did the first time the teams played, a 9-4 Whitehall win on April 14, the Norse took an early lead with six runs in the first two innings.
The Indees chipped away, scoring one run in the top of the first and two in both the third and fifth innings to pull within one. It wasn’t until the final three frames that the Indees broke through, however.
Whitehall answered I/G’s two runs in the top of the fifth with one of its own, but a three-run home run by Katelyn Kampa put the Indees ahead for good in the top of the sixth. I/G scored early in the inning when Hannah Ekern singled Hadley Sylla home. After Catherine Kampa singled, Katelyn Kampa smashed an offering over the fence in center field to put I/G ahead 9-7.
Whitehall responded as Regan Clatt singled to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth. However, I/G took the lead again on another home run.
This time it was Hannah Ekern who raced around the bases for an inside-the-park home run to start the top of the seventh. Harper Symicek added an RBI single later in the inning and Sarah Roskos doubled in another run to put I/G ahead 12-9.
Whitehall threatened in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with one out before a walk brought a run in.
Hannah Ekern replaced Katelyn Kampa in the circle and struck out the final two batters to end the game.
Ekern started the game and pitched the first two innings before Kampa took over. The two combined to strike out 12 Norse batters while walking 14 and allowing nine hits. Both also had big days at the plate. Ekern homered twice with her first coming in the top of the first inning as she was three-for-four with three RBIs. Kampa was two-for-five with four runs batted in, including a home run.
Catherine Kampa and Danika Ekern also had three hits for the Indees while Symicek and Roskos had two.
Taylor Johnson was three-for-five for Whitehall, while Clatt was two-for-four with two RBIs and Avvia Herman went two-for-three.
Clatt pitched the first five innings for Whitehall, striking out four while allowing eight hits and four walks. Kelsie Klomsten came on and allowed one hit and one walk before being replaced by Addison Poeschel who allowed seven hits and two walks while striking out two.
The Indees (2-6) were set to play at Blair-Taylor on Tuesday and in Melrose-Mindoro on Thursday of this week. They’re scheduled to host Augusta this coming Tuesday.
