Preps

Lesson learned, Springstead romps

Eagles bounce back from first loss to beat Central 6-0 behind Emily Eicholtz's two-hitter.

By FRANK PASTOR
© St. Petersburg Times
published March 20, 2003

SPRING HILL -- After a one-run loss to Dunnellon on Tuesday ruined its perfect record, Springstead learned that if it makes mistakes in the field and doesn't hit well enough to overcome them, it can be beaten.

The realization upset the Eagles but didn't unnerve them.

"It's always good to get a head check every now and then," coach Craig Swartout said.

Springstead bounced back by beating visiting Central 6-0 Wednesday in a rematch of last season's Class 4A, District 7 championship game, which the Eagles won.

Emily Eicholtz pitched a two-hitter, striking out a season-high 11, and the Eagles broke open a tight game with a four-run sixth inning.

Springstead (6-1) improved to 3-0 in the district and 3-0 in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

"We didn't want to lose another one," Eicholtz said. "We had to get back up there."

Central coach Benny Martinez promised changes, including more accountability on the part of his players and additional emphasis on fielding, after eight errors led to his team's 10th consecutive loss.

"The 10th game's over," Martinez said. "It's time to play my way. This team's too good to be losing like this."

Eicholtz, who pitched consecutive no-hitters earlier in the season, had a perfect game for 32/3 innings until Samantha Downing singled to center. Liz Wallace drew a walk to put runners at first and second, but Eicholtz struck out Brittany Hasty to end the threat.

Eicholtz's 11 strikeouts, including five consecutive between the second and third innings, were two more than she had in a March 11 victory over Lecanto. She struck out 13 in a preseason game against the Panthers.

Eicholtz credited higher velocity and an improved changeup.

"I felt a lot better than I have the past couple games," Eicholtz said. "I felt like I was throwing harder, and my changeup's working a lot better than it was before."

Eicholtz had two hits, including a third-inning double that drove home Diana Eckert with Springstead's second run. Eckert's two-run single and four Central errors keyed the Eagles' four-run sixth.

Central's Stephanie Owen struck out five while allowing seven hits and three walks in seven innings.

"Stephanie's pitched good every game; it's the defense that's broke down, mainly," Martinez said. "She's pitching better and better every game. I was going to try to get her some rest, but she's pitching seven strong innings."

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