Classic LL Softball Battle Goes To Gladstone, 1-0
ESCANABA----It was a typical Escanaba vs Gladstone softball battle as the Minor Little League Softball District Tournament began Tuesday in Escanaba. The two teams battled to a 0-0 tie through the final inning before Gladstone scored an unearned run to win, 1-0.
Escanaba's Gaby Salo was tough.
Both girls threw no-hitters, and they combined to throw 24 strikeouts (Salo had 13, Schwartz had 11). That's 24 K's out of the 34 outs that were recorded in the game. The only run came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Salo issued a walk, and Gladstone Manager Rodney Schwartz decided to try to make something happen on the bases. So, he brought in Jenna Rubick to be a special pinch runner. The move worked. Rubick stole second base, and as she did, the throw sailed into deep center field, and Rubick came home to score the game's only run on the throwing error. "The girls played their hearts out," Gladstone's Manager Schwartz said. "A great catch in right field by Jenna Rubick, excellent pitching, excellent catching, first baseman making great stretches. All of the kids contributed."
Gladstone pitcher Brittany Schwartz dominated.
And so the two teams will battle again Wednesday night in Escanaba. "Both programs are, top to bottom, run well, with a lot of young talent coming up," Gary Salo said. "It puts a smile on my face to know that the shelves are stocked for years with good pitching, and good ballplayers." Wednesday night's game will be broadcast live on WCHT-AM (600) and on-line at www.rrnsports.com. The broadcast will start at about 6:45 Eastern time from Escanaba's Lemmerand Park. If Gladstone wins, the girls will head downstate to the state tournament at Pinery Park. If Escanaba wins, they'll play again on Thursday. |