Don Bosco shuts down Raven rally

After coming from behind to knock off HLV in the first round, the Hillcrest Academy softball team had its eyes set on another upset in Wednesday’s regional quarterfinals, but the Ravens fell just short, stranding the tying run on second in a 6-4 loss to Don Bosco.

The Dons struck first, plating a run in the first, but Hillcrest’s patience paid off in the third to take a momentary lead, loading the bases on walks and scoring Claire Miller and Isabelle Vigneron on wild pitches to make the score 2-1.

Don Bosco tied the game on an RBI groundout in the bottom of the frame before taking the lead back on a two-RBI double in the bottom of the fifth. Two bases-loaded walks extended the Dons’ lead to four, sending the Ravens to the plate in the seventh with their backs against the wall yet again.

Back-to-back walks for Miller and Annika Schrock put Hillcrest in business early, with both coming around to score quickly, as Miller raced home on an error by Don Bosco catcher Harper Pett while Schrock came home on an Ella Mize single.

Lyla Genkinger took a walk to follow Mize, putting the tying run on base. With two away, Hillcrest catcher Brynna Boshart reached on an error, moving the tying run to second and putting the go-ahead on base.

This time, that was where the story ended.

Pinch hitter Bria Ropp hit a flyout to center, and the game was over. Hillcrest fell by two in the regional quarterfinal.

The Raven defense played one of its cleanest games of the season, surrendering no errors in the outing, but starting pitcher Genkinger struggled with command, giving up seven walks to fuel the Dons’ offense along with six hits.

Offensively, Mize’s RBI single was the only hit of the night for Hillcrest, as they patiently took advantage of 12 Don Bosco walks and utilized aggressive baserunning to build their rallies.

The Ravens ended their season with a record of 9-18. Every member of the Raven lineup is expected to return next year, with no seniors playing for the team this summer.