The Lakeland softball team played host to the Cuyahoga Triceratops today and dropped both ends of the doubleheader by the scores of 11-2 and 6-4. In both games, the Lakers knocked on the door, but were unable to come up with the big hit. In game 1, The Lakers trailed 1-0 going into the bottom of the 3rd inning when they plated 2 runs to take the lead. Carmen Alvarez started the inning by reaching on an error. Peyton Trick followed with a single and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Astianna Coppes then hit a sac fly scoring C. Alvarez. Trick would then score on a ball hit by Midaliz Alvarez that the Tri-C defenders misplayed. Cuyahoga extended their lead as they scored 8 runs over the next two innings. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they left two runners on in the 4th inning and the bases loaded in the 5th inning without scoring another run.
Emalee Harala, Peyton Trick, and Lillyan Agostine each went 2-3 while Astianna Coppes recorded a hit and RBI. Kennedy Danna and Reagan Hayes each chipped in a hit for the Lakers. Leah Richter took the loss on the mound.
Game 2 started with a play at first that no call was made on a close play - and as the Lakers looked for a call (either out or safe) the Tri-C runner continued 2nd base. From there, the Triceratops took advantage of a bunt, an error, and a blooper that fell in to take a 2-0 lead. Cuyahoga would add to the lead in the 2nd inning scoring 2 more runs. In the home half of the inning, Lakeland would push a run across. Reagan Hayes hit a leadoff single and advanced on a fielder's choice from Emalee Harala. Kennedy Danna singled allowing Hayes to advance to 3rd base. Carmen Alvarez followed with a hard hit ball that was misplayed by Cuyahoga allowing Hayes to score. The score would remain 4-1 until the top of the 7th inning when Tri-C scored 2 more runs. The Lakers continued to battle in the home half as they scored 3 runs to come up just short in the game. Peyton Trick got it going with a double. Trick advanced to 3rd on an Astianna Coppes grounder that was misplayed by the defense. Coppes then stole second base. On the steal, Cuyahoga elected to throw to their shortstop in an effort to catch Trick streaking for home. Trick slid in just before the tag to make the score 6-2. Midaliz Alvarez followed with a single down the 1st base line to score Coppes. Lillyan Agostine then hit a ball and reached on an error with M. Alvarez advancing to 3rd base. Reagan Hayes followed with another hit that the Triceratops misplayed allowing M. Alvarez to score. Unfortunately for the Lakers, it ended there as they were unable to get that one last clutch hit.
In game 2, the Lakers left 9 runners on base. Midaliz Alvarez went 2-4 with an RBI while Astianna Coppes and Peyton Trick (2B) each collected 2 hits. Reagan Hayes had a hit and an RBI while Emalee Harala (2B) and Kennedy Danna each added a hit for the Lakers. Peyton Trick took the loss on the mound allowing 6 runs (3 earned).
The highlight of the day was the sophomore presentation to start the day. Sophomores Astianna Coppes, Kennedy Danna, Reagan Hayes, Lily Seay, and Megan Szczecinski (Micaha Marbury absent) were recognized for their dedication and efforts for the past two years. We wish them all the best of luck in the future - they will be missed!
Next Up: The Lakers final home games of the season will by this coming Tuesday (4/30) on Laker Field. The Lakers will face off against OCCAC opponent Edison State. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00pm.