The Hillsboro softball team was in position to win on the road at Pratt, but Mother Nature intervened when lightning warnings ended Game 1 in the top of the sixth inning with the Trojans trailing 11-10.
“We had 12 hits and I know we had a good chance to win,” coach Stephanie Sinclair said about the outcome. Whether Game 2 will be rescheduled remains to be seen.
The Trojans got off to a good start, scoring three runs in their first at-bat. A single by Cheyenne Bernhardt, a walk to Dani Klein led to a two-out, two-run double by pitcher Taylor Helmer, who also came around to score.
The Greenbacks touched Helmer for one run in their half of the inning, then added three more runs in the bottom of the second for a 4-3 lead.
Hillsboro rallied for four run in the top of the third. With two outs, Helmer drew a walk, Ava Weisbeck singled, Kylee Martin Walked and Tuesday Weisbeck walked to force in a run. Elli Weisbeck came through with a two-run single to put Hillsboro on top, 7-4.
Not to be outdone, Pratt scored four runs in the home half of the third for an 8-7 lead. Neither team scored in the fourth inning.
Hillsboro scored three runs in the fifth inning with the help of two Pratt fielding error, two walks and RBI singles by Sarah Jost and Klein.
With Hillsboro leading 10-8 heading into the bottom of the fifth, the home team rallied for three more runs to take the 11-10 lead. At that point, the first game ended because of lightning in the area.
At press time, it appears Game 2 will not be scheduled, based on the decision of the home team’s coach—as allowed by the Kansas State High School Activities Association.
Coming—The Trojans (4-5) were scheduled for a Tuesday doubleheader at home against Lyons, then will host Kingman Friday at the Sports Complex with a 4 p.m. start.
