SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT South Range beats Springfield, 8-3

The Raiders scored all of their runs in the fourth inning.
By KELLY WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Wednesday's first-round Division III tournament match-up between South Range High and Springfield proved to be eventful, in more ways than one.
The Raiders won 8-3, scoring all their runs in the fourth inning.
"We finally exploded," South Range coach Ray Thomas said. "I've been waiting for it all year and they picked a heck of a time to do it."
Springfield led 2-0 entering the fourth. South Range's Amy Algeo led off with a single, which was followed by Jessica's Spickler's RBI double.
An error and two walks filled the bases, and with two outs, the Tigers had a chance to end the inning with only a one-run deficit.
Key play
Leadoff batter Skye Walley hit the ball to shallow center. The Springfield center-fielder, Amanda Delvaux, dove and appeared to have the ball, but the umpire ruled it a trap. The ensuing argument resulted in Springfield coach Scott Workman being ejected.
"It was a good call," Thomas said. "The ball was lying on the ground."
South Range rounded out the inning with six hits and eight runs, and with all controversy aside, Workman credited the Raiders' offense.
"They had a great fourth inning," Workman said, "and it was due to their excellent hitters."
Two first-inning Raider errors put Springfield runners at first and third. Brooke Szelezak doubled, scoring both runners.
"I was a little worried at the beginning of the game," Thomas said. "They are a good team, and beat us earlier in the season."
Determined
Walley, the winning pitcher who also finished with three hits, shared some of the same apprehension but mixed it with determination.
"We wanted to get them back from earlier in the season," Walley said.
South Range advances to play United next Wednesday.
The Tigers, who finished with four hits, have as many as four regular season games remaining.
"We have a young team," Workman said. "I start four freshmen and will only graduate two seniors. These kids don't quit, and they won't quit until the season is over."