After beating Basalt in the last three meetings with a combined score of 53-6, Durango softball looked like it could suffer an upset loss early on Friday afternoon at home.
Basalt jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the first inning thanks to some slower pitches by the Basalt pitcher which threw off the Demons’ hitters.
The Longhorns’ lead didn’t last long as the floodgates opened and the Demons couldn’t stop hitting. Seven Durango players got hits and the Demons scored six runs in the third inning and five runs in the fifth to end the game after the fifth with a dominating 12-2 victory.
“That's the struggle when you're facing that slower pitcher and making that adjustment,” Durango softball head coach Sara Clair said. “That first time through the order, all my girls are out on their front foot, struggling and hitting weak ground balls. But it was nice to see that second time through the batting order them settling in, waiting on that pitch and being able to drive it. I know their left fielder got a workout today for sure.”
Durango improved to 6-6 overall and stayed at 1-3 in the 5A/4A Southwestern League after the nonleague win. Basalt fell to 4-8 overall with the loss. For the first time in Clair’s two years as head coach, Durango is .500.
Durango senior Megan Downey led the team going 3-3 at bat with two runs and two RBIs. Senior Ellie Casias went 2-3 from the plate with two runs and two RBIs. Sophomore Avery Clair finished 2-4 at bat with two runs and four RBIs.
Junior Demon pitcher Jenna Glueck pitched all five innings, allowing two runs and she had three strikeouts.
“Jenna has pitched some phenomenal games this season and I think she would tell you the same that today wasn’t her best day,” Clair said. “But when you can have an off day, get the job done in the circle and still get the W for your team that says a lot about her strength as a pitcher.”
After trailing Basalt 2-0 after the first inning, the Demons quickly got Basalt out in the top of the second inning.
Downey hit a pop fly into center and got to first to open the game. A low ball allowed junior Alexa Bedonie to get on base.
DHS scored its first run when Glueck hit a double allowing Downey to come home and make it 2-1. The good vibes quickly ran out as Basalt made a double play to end the second inning with DHS having runners on second and third
Basalt opened the third inning with a low drive down the third baseline. But some good fielding by DHS led to three quick outs without Basalt scoring.
Senior Molly Best was walked and then DHS put its bats to work. Freshman Abigail Gordon hit a ball down the right side and another Demon hit a ball deep to right field for a double and this brought a runner home. Clair then hit a double to right field which brought two runners home. The runs continued to come in as senior Violet Mazenko also hit a double. Durango led 7-2 after Downey came home after another Demon hit and Durango took that lead into the fourth inning.
Casias made a great running catch for the first out of the fourth inning and Durango made quick work of the Basalt batters.
Both teams went through the fourth inning scoreless. Clair said the Demons have improved a lot on their fielding and that has led to more wins this year. She complimented Casias and Best on their fielding against Basalt.
Best made it round for another run along with Gordon to push the lead to 9-2 in the fifth. Clair hit a double to bring another runner home and DHS pushed the lead to 12-2 and finished the game with the 10-run mercy rule.
The Demons hit the road to play at Battle Mountain next Friday and at Palisade for a doubleheader next Saturday. Clair said the team will be working out hitting against faster pitchers.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
