A matchup of two strong softball teams and the top two LHC pitchers didn’t disappoint as Pella was able to defeat cross town rival Pella Christian 2-0 last night at the Pella High softball field.
Pella got off to a quick start in the first inning taking advantage of two walks from Eagles pitcher Paige Blom putting runners on the corners, then Bri Arkema ripped an RBI single to put the Lady Dutch up 1-0.
After failing to get a base runner the first two innings, Pella Christian finally got a chance in the third as Lady Dutch pitcher Mandy DeMeulenaere walked two straight and hit a third batter to load the bases however the Eagles would come up empty. Pella countered with a run off of three singles in the bottom half of the inning from Whitney Williams, Lisa Houser and Makenzie Anthony to go ahead 2-0.
Pella Christian threatened again in the fourth with a double by Jenna Roose and single by Taylor Stursma, however Lady Dutch center fielder Whitney Williams erased a scoring opportunity with a perfect throw from center field to gun down the Eagle runner trying to score. The Lady Dutch defense came up big again in the sixth inning with a double play and in the seventh inning throwing out a runner at third to secure the shutout.
Paige Blom took the loss for Pella Christian allowing two runs on five hits while walking four and striking out six, while Mandy DeMeulenaere got the win allowing no runs on four hits while walking three and striking out six.
Pella Christian fell to 8-4 overall and 4-2 in the LHC while Pella improved to 8-4 and 5-1 in LHC play. Pella Christian will host Clarke in non conference action tonight while Pella gets the night off before battling Knoxville Wednesday.