FERNDALE – Blaine scored two runs in the top of the first inning, but Ferndale was able to hold the Borderites scoreless throughout the rest of the game as well as put up seven runs in the final three innings, and walked away with the 7-2 victory to open the season on Monday.
Borderite shortstop Anika Hagen got things started with a one-out single to right field in the first inning. She then stole second, and scored on a double off the bat of Makenna Wright. After Wright stole third, she was able to score on a passed ball.
Ferndale pitcher Hannah Mattingley was able to settle down after the first inning, and pitched incredibly well the rest of the way, giving up just four hits while striking out seven for the complete game win.
In the bottom of the fourth inning Ferndale’s AnaReece Weston walked, Jordyn Thompson singled and Mattingley walked to load the bases with nobody out. Mallory Butenschoen then singled to score Weston, and Thompson scored on a ground out to tie the game at two.
Thompson had an RBI single in the fifth inning, which scored leadoff hitter Payton Akers, to give the Golden Eagles the lead for the first time in the game. Some defensive miscues by the Borderites opened the door for more runs to be scored.
Thompson went 2-for-4 in the game, and Weston led Ferndale with two runs batted in. Blaine got hits from Hagen, Wright, Piper Nissen and Alia Ball.
Both teams will face each other again on Wednesday at 4:30, this time at Blaine.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E BLA 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 FER 0 0 0 2 1 4 X 7 5 1
