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Head coach Kieth Jans recognizes all his team needs is one inning. Braden River scores in bunches, and one hit often rewires the Pirates.
So, after junior outfielder Sarai Castro scored in the top of the seventh, Jans knew his team had a chance despite being down two runs since the second frame. But the seventh-inning surge couldn't overcome an early deficit and Niceville’s bullpen.
No. 4 Braden River fell to No. 1 Niceville 2-1 in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinal on Friday, May 22. The Pirates only recorded three hits against Niceville pitcher Chloe Bailey, with the last two coming in the final frame. Bailey struck out 10 batters. Bailey worked to get ahead in the count, which Jans said put his hitters on edge.
“I’m very proud of the girls,” Jans said. “I’m very proud of this team. They fought the whole way through. Never gave up on themselves. And they continued to battle no matter who the opponent is.”
Senior pitcher Kaydence Evans — who is the only senior on the roster — struck out three batters in seven innings, allowing three hits. Evans finished this season with a 1.31 ERA, striking out 127 in 112 innings of work. The senior has been a key piece in Braden River's rebuild.
After winning four games last season, Braden River went 23-4 this season with the help of Evans and seven freshmen.
“Kaydence is going to be a tough pitcher to replace,” Jans said. “The leadership she brings to the field. It’s been a honor coaching her. She’s always been a leader since her freshman year…she’s going to do good things at the next level.”
Niceville broke through in the bottom of the second, securing a two-run lead that the Eagles kept for the rest of the game. After freshman Sydney Hann reached second on an error, sophomore Valerie Malley hit a base hit up the middle before a junior Natalie Miller sac-fly to center sent Hann home. Malley scored on a fielder's choice.
Down 2-0, Braden River struggled to string hits together. Although Castro recorded a hit in the top of the fourth, the Pirates didn't have another until the final three outs.
Castro doubled to left-center. Then, Evans followed with a hit to right, sending Castro home.
“That’s what this team has been about all season,” Jans said. “They just need one inning that wins for us. Defense is there. They play their hearts out all game. It’s always that one or two innings."
But Braden River’s rally fell short. Bailey retired the next three, ending the game with a strikeout.
Jans is hopeful about next year, knowing this will mature a young team. Instead of a rebuild year, he’s looking for consistency.
“It’s just going to get better from now,” Jans said. “The girls are going to learn. They’re going to use this as a learning experience. Some of the nerves that may have been there this year might not be there next year. And we’re just going to continue to battle and fight.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Despite late rally, Braden River falls to Niceville in 5A softball semifinal
Continue reading...
So, after junior outfielder Sarai Castro scored in the top of the seventh, Jans knew his team had a chance despite being down two runs since the second frame. But the seventh-inning surge couldn't overcome an early deficit and Niceville’s bullpen.
No. 4 Braden River fell to No. 1 Niceville 2-1 in the FHSAA Class 5A state semifinal on Friday, May 22. The Pirates only recorded three hits against Niceville pitcher Chloe Bailey, with the last two coming in the final frame. Bailey struck out 10 batters. Bailey worked to get ahead in the count, which Jans said put his hitters on edge.
“I’m very proud of the girls,” Jans said. “I’m very proud of this team. They fought the whole way through. Never gave up on themselves. And they continued to battle no matter who the opponent is.”
Senior pitcher Kaydence Evans — who is the only senior on the roster — struck out three batters in seven innings, allowing three hits. Evans finished this season with a 1.31 ERA, striking out 127 in 112 innings of work. The senior has been a key piece in Braden River's rebuild.
After winning four games last season, Braden River went 23-4 this season with the help of Evans and seven freshmen.
“Kaydence is going to be a tough pitcher to replace,” Jans said. “The leadership she brings to the field. It’s been a honor coaching her. She’s always been a leader since her freshman year…she’s going to do good things at the next level.”
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Niceville broke through in the bottom of the second, securing a two-run lead that the Eagles kept for the rest of the game. After freshman Sydney Hann reached second on an error, sophomore Valerie Malley hit a base hit up the middle before a junior Natalie Miller sac-fly to center sent Hann home. Malley scored on a fielder's choice.
Down 2-0, Braden River struggled to string hits together. Although Castro recorded a hit in the top of the fourth, the Pirates didn't have another until the final three outs.
Castro doubled to left-center. Then, Evans followed with a hit to right, sending Castro home.
“That’s what this team has been about all season,” Jans said. “They just need one inning that wins for us. Defense is there. They play their hearts out all game. It’s always that one or two innings."
But Braden River’s rally fell short. Bailey retired the next three, ending the game with a strikeout.
Jans is hopeful about next year, knowing this will mature a young team. Instead of a rebuild year, he’s looking for consistency.
“It’s just going to get better from now,” Jans said. “The girls are going to learn. They’re going to use this as a learning experience. Some of the nerves that may have been there this year might not be there next year. And we’re just going to continue to battle and fight.”
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Despite late rally, Braden River falls to Niceville in 5A softball semifinal
Continue reading...
