Softball: North Union sets tone early vs. Liberty Union

PICKERINGTON – It was almost over before it started.

North Union scored five runs in the bottom of the first inning Saturday against Liberty Union, and that set the tone for the rest of the game.

The Wildcats didn't score the rest of the game, but the damage was done in a 5-0 win over the Lions in Division III district final at Pickerington Central.

After having to scratch and claw to pull out a come-from-behind 4-3 win in a district semifinal win Wednesday over Northridge, the Wildcats knew getting off to quick start would be crucial against the Lions.

"We knew we had to come out and score runs and get them down and make them work to come back and get us," North Union coach Dawn Draper said. "We played the other way against Northridge. We were down and we were the one's that had to come back in the last inning. We knew how mentally draining and how hard that can be."

It was an even game after the first inning, and while Liberty Union (18-10) settled in and played well the rest of the game, the Lions couldn't get to North Union freshman pitcher Madison Wedding.

"They did us in when we gave up five runs right off the bat, and we just couldn't hit (Wedding)," Liberty Union coach Bill Putnam said. "She has a good outside pitch and a good curve. We just couldn't hit it and we worked on it all week, but it's different when you face it live."

Wedding, a left-hander, gave up just one hit — a lead-off second-inning double to Jaycee Crouch, which was the Lions' only real threat to score — and she struck out eight, including the side in the fifth inning.

"To get five runs in the first inning was great because it helped (Wedding)," Draper said. "She pitched an absolute fantastic game for a freshman. She kept getting stronger and stronger as the game progressed, and it's easier when you have a five-run lead.

"You can relax a little bit and she knows her defense is behind her."

The Wildcats (25-4) scored five runs on four hits in the first inning. Emily Clark led off the inning when she was hit by a pitch and was sacrificed to second by Cheyenne Clark. Abby Davis reached on a bunt single. Back-to-back RBI singles by Avery Clark and Kelsea plated a pair of runs, and Sidney Girton's ground out gave the Wildcats a 3-0 lead. Logan Martino then belted a two-run home run that all but sealed it.

"It's a mental thing," Draper said. "Physically, I knew we were ready to go, but when you are down in the first inning, especially down five, it is tough for the opposing team to come back."

Liberty Union pitcher Alyssa Moore was able to shake off the first inning and not allow another run to cross, but the Lions' offense, which has been solid all season long, was shut down by Wedding.

"We never gave up and we came back and won a lot of games, but we weren't able to do that (Saturday)," Putnam said. "But that's a great team we faced."

North Union advances to play in a regional semifinal at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Wright State University.

twilson@lancastereaglegazette.com

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