The Reeths-Puffer softball team has won its share of blowout games this season, like last Friday’s 14-0 and 18-2 victories over Fruitport.
On Tuesday the Rockets demonstrated their ability to win the tight ones as well, posting impressive 2-0 and 3-2 victories over a good Caledonia squad in O-K Green conference action.
Regardless of how they do it, the Rockets just keep winning. They are now a perfect 11-0 overall on the season, with a 4-0 mark in the conference standings.
“It was a great night of playing tight softball against a good team,” said R-P head coach Sarah Bayle. “We weren't perfect tonight, but we did a lot of things really well. We made things happen out of nothing on offense, while also playing tight on defense, and I'm very proud of the girls for that.
Lainey McDaniel
“I am looking forward to seeing this team continue to grow and build off of each game to continuously improve.”
The Rockets got great pitching in the two wins, starting in Game 1, when senior standout Lainey McDaniel tossed a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits with three walks and nine strikeouts.
The Rockets produced just enough runs to support the great pitching.
In the fourth inning, McDaniel singled on a hard ground ball and advanced to second, went to third on a Terra Ross sacrifice bunt, then scored on a Kenzie Jacobs double.
Carlie Guikema
The Rockets’ other run came in the fifth inning, when Carlie Guikema doubled off the center field fence, advanced to third on a Lorelei Herrygers bunt, then scored on a sacrifice fly by McDaniel.
In Game 2, the Rockets grabbed a 3-0 lead then held on for the win.
Two runs came in the third inning when McDaniel and Ross singled, Jacobs reached on a fielders choice play, then Guikema hit a two-run single.
R-P added one run in the fourth when Makayla Jewett doubled to left field and advanced to third on a Caydence Rettinhouse single. Rettinhouse was thrown out rounding the base, but Jewett was able to score on the play.
Makayla Jewett
Caledonia scored one run in both the fifth and sixth innings to make it 3-2, but could get no closer.
McDaniel pitched five innings, allowing three hits and one run (zero earned) with no walks and one strikeout. Jewett closed out the win on the mound, allowing three hits, one run, no walks and one strikeout.
The Rockets will visit Fremont for a non-conference doubleheader on Thursday.