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Diamond softball is one of the area’s stingiest teams when it comes to yielding runs. On Monday, the Wildcats had to rely on the bats in the Class 2 state semifinal against Kennett.
They had just enough offense for a walk-off 7-6 win against the Indians. Coming into Monday’s game, Diamond had not given up more than five runs in any game this season.
Kennett scored right away with one run in the top of the first. The Diamond bats had the answer with two runs in the bottom half of the first inning. In the top of the second, the Indians came right back with four runs to take a 5-2 lead.
Diamond did not have an answer until the bottom of the third when Caitlyn Suhrie had an emphatic answer with a three-run home run to tie the game at five after three innings.
After a scoreless fourth inning, Kennett put the pressure back on Diamond with a run in the top of the fifth. Diamond got the run back in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game going into the final frame.
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The Wildcats shut down Kennett to give the game back to the bats.
Surhie was once again at the center of the action. She reached and made her way all the way around to third base. On a fielder’s choice to the pitcher, Surhie scampered home and beat the throw to set off the celebration, as Diamond advanced to Tuesday’s Class 2 state championship game with a 7-6 win.
The six runs were the most Diamond had given up all year. The Wildcats were 1-2 on the season when yielding five runs coming into the game.
Suhrie went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three runs batted in to lead Diamond. Lauren Turner also had three hits going 3-for-4 with a run and RBI.
Madison Bentley threw all seven innings with six strikeouts in the circle.
Diamond will face Skyline at 10 am in the Class 2 state championship game. The Wildcats beat the defending state champion Tigers 10-0 on Apr. 22 in the Adrian Tournament.
