Seven runs, lots of ‘mental errors’

Two games termed “very winnable” by fastpitch coach Steve Nelson went the other way as the Spartans lost 7-4 at Blanchet on Friday, then dropped Monday’s home opener to Seattle Prep 5-3.

“These games aren’t won, they’re lost,” said Nelson. “We had Blanchet on the ropes, but we gave the game away. Mental errors just killed us.”

One example came in the fourth inning, when an apparent missed signal resulted in two Spartan baserunners converging on third base from opposite directions. Both were tagged out for a double play. Then Bainbridge took a 4-2 lead into the bottom of the sixth, only to give up five runs.

Angie Rapada had two hits and three RBIs, Logan Mohr had a double and a run, and Caiti Kruse scored twice.

Forced to field a somewhat patchwork lineup on Monday with four players missing due to illness or out-of-town trips, the Spartans kept things tight for three innings as the teams managed just one hit apiece.

But Prep scored twice in the fourth on two walks, a fielder’s choice that gave the Panthers another baserunner and two errors. The Spartans got one back in the bottom of the fourth on Mohr’s double and Erin Hannon’s fielder’s choice. Prep added three more in the top of the fifth after two were out. The Spartans rallied for two in the seventh on Mohr singled in Lizzie Greene and Chrissy Haugen, but a popup ended the game.

Citing a dropped fly ball and indecision by players away from their normal positions, Nelson said “We made too many mistakes and they cost us.”

The team hosts Ballard, last year’s Metro champions, tomorrow.

Bainbridge JV 17, Seattle Prep JV 6 – Dianna Rodriguez’ sixth-inning bases-loaded triple highlighted Monday’s win at Lower Woodland. Jamie Callaham had three hits and three RBIs in addition to pitching most of the game after starter Amanda Szarzynski injured her thumb. Nikki Brown had two hits, scored three runs and drove in two more.

“We played well and were able to capitalize on many Seattle Prep errors,” said coach Shaine Schramling.

Bainbridge JV 3, Blanchet JV 1 – Callaham pitched five innings and her two fifth-inning RBIs proved decisive in Friday’s home win.

“Our defense really played well today,” said Schramling. “Meghan Bond made an outstanding catch in right field to start the top of the sixth.” Schramling also cited infielders Rodriguez and Katie Bateman.

Szarzynski went two-for-two with two sacrifice bunts.

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