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Softball Panthers slip past Waltonville, 3-2

PINCKNEYVILLE - It took extras, but the host Pinckneyville Panthers softball squad prevailed Wednesday, edging past Waltonville/Sesser-Valier, 3-2, in eight innings.

With the score tied at 2, in the bottom of the eighth, Lauren Jackson drew a one-out walk. Kenzie Prest was inserted as a pinch-runner. Megan Engelhardt followed with a single to advance the runner to second. Hannah Dascotte then delivered her second hit of the game, an RBI single, driving in Prest with the winner.

The Spartans jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning on a double by Becca Combs and two-run homer off the bat of Rachel Laskowski.

The Panthers tied the game in the bottom of the sixth. Lynlee Lindner drew a leadoff walk. Taylor Witges slammed an RBI double. She then came around to score on a wild pitch.

Witges, who finished with two doubles on the day, was also the pitcher of record for Pinckneyville. She hurled all eight frames, allowed two runs on six hits (four of which came in the fifth inning), struck out seven and walked only two.

Bailey Braddy was the tough-luck loser for the Spartans. She also worked all eight innings, surrendering three runs on only five hits. She fanned one and walked five.

"I thought both pitchers threw well and both of us played well defensively," said Panthers head coach Alan Engelhardt. "Taylor had a lot of movement on her pitches. Her screwball was really hitting the outside corner, which made her riser a very effective secondary pitch. And Braddy did a fine job, too, making us hit her pitches. It was a good first game."

Engelhardt was especially pleased with his defense committing no errors despite windy conditions.

"Defense is one of the strong suits of this team," he said. "We've pretty athletic at some positions."

Wet field conditions Thursday led to a canceled game with the Herrin Tigers. The Panthers are scheduled to play at Okawville today, weather permitting, and will then host a round-robin tournament Saturday with Red Bud and Breese Mater Dei.

Pinckneyville's Taylor Witges delivers an RBI hit against Waltonville. Doug Daniels photo
Pinckneyville's Kenzie Prest scores the walk-off game-winning run for the Lady Panthers. Doug Daniels photo
PCHS softball coach Alan Engelhardt sends runner Lynlee Lindner home for a run. Doug Daniels photo