HIGHLAND, Kan. - With minor injuries forcing a bit of shuffling in the lineup, Highland (16-15, 8-4 KJCCC) found production from unexpected places to pick up a big KJCCC sweep over Allen Community College (16-21, 7-9 KJCCC) on Thursday. The Scotties walked off game one 8-7 and blasted past the Red Devils 12-1 (5) in game two.
Highland threatened first, putting two runners on in the bottom of the first, but Allen was able to get out of the jam and break open the game with five runs in the second.
After being held scoreless in the bottom of the second, the Scotties turned in a 1-2-3 inning in the third and rode the momentum in to the bottom half of the frame.
Emma Doleshal led off with a double and
Hailey Horton moved her to third with a one-out single.
Makenzie Leake drew a walk to load the bases with
Alaryce Millard singling in a run on the next pitch.
Mya King singled in Horton and the Scotties added a third in the inning with some crafty baserunning by Leake and Millard.
Both teams retired in order in the fourth, but Allen was able to stretch back to a four-run lead in the top of the fifth.
The Scotties weren't able to answer in the bottom of the inning, but after holding the Red Devils scoreless in the top of the sixth, Highland scratched back to tie the game with a two-out rally. King singled to open the inning and
Madison Adams followed with a perfectly placed bunt. Intended as a sacrifice, the Murietta, Calif., freshman was able to beat the throw to first as King reached out aggressively for third. Both runners moved up a base, and a one-out walk to Doleshal loaded the bases.
Horton was able to clear the bases and pull Highland within one with a double to the center field fence, but she wasn't on the bases long as Leake sent another double to center to tie the game at 7-7.
Highland made quick work of Allen in the top of the seventh, and with one out and one on, Adams put down another perfect sac bunt to advance
Mia Gomez to second. As Gomez took a step toward third, she drew a throw from Allen that sailed over the head of the shortstop and into left field. The errant throw allowed Gomez to race home for the win.
In game two, Adams - who played both games at catcher instead of her customary outfield position - was again the hero for the Scotties. In the bottom of the second inning, the freshman picked a perfect time for her first career home run, a two-run shot into the wind that broke open the contest and chased Allen's starting pitcher from the game. Highland scored five runs in the second to take a 7-1 lead, and cruised to an early finish.
The Scotties will close out the regular season with three of their five remaining doubleheaders at home, beginning with a Tuesday contest against Johnson County Community College. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
