One inning tells the tale for Mustangs, Bulldogs

By IZZY GOULD
Published March 9, 2007

TRINITY - Big innings often mean big trouble.

So when Mitchell came out cracking singles and scoring runs, thoughts of ending this chilly night early seemed contagious.

Of course Zephyrhills wasn't going to make the hour or so drive over and simply pack it in after a bad inning.

The Bulldogs chipped away and found themselves with a chance to tie before Mitchell pitcher Olivia Kline struck out the final two batters for an 8-5 victory.

"Just a bad first inning," Zephyrhills coach Craig Milburn said, shaking his head. "We were a little shaky, made one or two bad decisions on a play. They've got speed. They're a good team."

Six of Mitchell's first eight batters crossed home plate, highlighted by an RBI double from junior Courtney Stager that scored two runs for a 6-0 lead.

Mustangs coach Scott Bisbe has been stressed about poor hitting and missed scoring opportunities. So he began stressing more hitting and scoring in practices.

The Mustangs 8-3 got the hits, eight in the final tally. But they still stranded five runners, including three in scoring position.

"We're getting there," Bisbe said. "We're doing a lot of extra things at practice hitting wise. We're doing more things. ...We've had three, three-game weeks in a row.

"It doesn't give you a lot of time to practice."

Mitchell rode the solid pitching of Kline as her hard-throwing right hand went the distance and registered nine strikeouts while allowing seven hits.

Kline was able to breathe easy thanks to a ton of run support.

Mustangs outfielder Tanisha Dixon crushed her first career home run over the centerfield fence for a 7-0 lead.

Zephyrhills (9-4) cut the deficit to 7-3 on a bases-clearing triple by Ashley Anderton. Jessica Davis gave the Bulldogs a pair of hits and a run scored while a scout from the University of Illinois was on hand videotaping her every move.

"We battled back," Milburn said. "We're making contact against a good pitcher. ...It's just a matter of putting the ball in play.

"We've got three or four kids I feel are as good a hitters in the county. If we can get people on for them we can score runs quick."

Izzy Gould can be reached at igould@tampabay.com or (813) 909-4619.

[Last modified March 8, 2007, 23:56:48]