Molly Brown gets a base hit for the Dragons during the first of two games against Burlington Sept. 25. — Johnson Publications
First baseman Shianne Willmon gets Burlington runner Kayla Robles out at first base during the Sept. 25 doubleheader in Holyoke. — Johnson Publications
Dragons crush Burlington doubleheader
Dragon softball racked up massive wins at a home doubleheader against Burlington last Tuesday, Sept. 25, finishing both games more than 10 runs ahead of their opponent and allowing few base hits.
Holyoke batters pulled down runs in eight out of 10 frames, and built on early leads with precise, consistent hitting. The games wrapped up 12-2 and 14-3.
In 2017, the Dragons’ varsity doubleheader against Burlington ended in double losses. Coach Sherman Kage attributed this year’s victory to polished pitching by junior Sarah Razo, disciplined fielding and time spent studying Burlington’s style of play.
“Last night was one of the best performances we’ve put on,” he said the day after the game. “Razo pitched lights-out both games. I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from my girls.”
Holyoke 12, Burlington 2
Holyoke kept Burlington batters off the field during the first game while racking up the runs in the second, third and fourth innings. Five brisk frames for Burlington ended with Holyoke on top, 12-2.
After a shutout first inning, Burlington scored on two ground balls. Their lead was eclipsed later that same inning, however, as Holyoke answered with four runs batted in by Razo, Brooke Schneider and Lauren Herman.
The next two innings dragged for Burlington as Holyoke took the lead, first by seven runs, then 10 in the fourth. Meanwhile, aggressive fielding prevented Burlington from crossing home plate for the remainder of the game.
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