Base runner off the bench lifts 'Dogs

Brooke Nulf scored the winning run from second base on an infield fly error.
By JOHN KOVACH
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
EAST PALESTINE -- Sophomore Brooke Nulf of East Palestine proved that substitutes should always be prepared if they are called into the game because they never know when they have a chance to make a difference.
Nulf was watching her team play Springfield Wednesday for almost the entire game before coach Dan McKinstry summoned her in the seventh inning to become a pinch runner for Chelsea Peterson at second base with two outs and the score tied at 3. Peterson reached second when an outfielder misjudged her fly ball.
Then, when the Tigers misplayed an infield fly hit by Jenn Yokely and the ball rolled around the infield, Nulf managed to round third and score, giving the Bulldogs a 4-3 victory.
Remembered what to do
"[Nulf] listened to what we said to do when there is a fly ball," said McKinstry, who urges his players to run quickly with two outs no matter where the fly ball is hit. "She got a good start because of that and scored the game-winning run. Otherwise, she probably would have been out."
East Palestine's Erica Burkey, a freshman pitcher in her first varsity start, had got a good start to the seventh inning when Allison McMillen, who singled, was caught off first base on Becky Hill's line drive out to shortstop for a double play.
"[Burkey] did an outstanding job in her first start," said Springfield coach Amy Angelo. "It's a tough thing when [the missed infield fly] happens. You want them to prepare for that at practice. At times it may happen. That's the name of the game."
Said McKinstry about missed fly balls: "That happens to girls more than boys. That's why we tell our players to run."
Warren ties the game
Christy Warren sparked a two-run rally in the top of the seventh inning, enabling the Tigers to tie the score.
Warren hit a triple that scored Leah Noel from first, who was running for Rebecca Evan who had reached base on an error.
Warren rounded third on her hit, streaked to the plate and collided on her feet with Hill, the catcher, knocking the ball loose and scoring the tying run.
Warren was injured on the play and lay on the ground for awhile, before leaving the field under her own power.
There was an argument on the field about whether Warren had to slide.
"She is encouraged to slide," said Angelo, "but her back was to the outfield and the catcher's in the way, so she used her own judgment. She is a smart player and I trust her to use her own judgment."
McKinstry said boys have to slide in baseball according to the rules, but that girls are not required to slide.
"It is safety first but there is no rule in softball about not being allowed to slide. The umpire said there is no rule," said McKinstry.
Bulldogs take lead
East Palestine (13-3) scored two runs in the first inning on an error and Peterson's sacrifice fly. Peterson later hit a triple.
Springfield (6-4) tied it in the second inning when Samantha Cavalier scored on a wild pitch.
Jessica Cavanaugh (5-1) pitched a five-hitter over the distance with one strikeout and four walks to beat Burkey, who pitched an eight-hitter with three strikeouts and one walk.
"She came in and pitched four innings [Tuesday] night in relief," said McKinstry of Cavanaugh. "She's not the fastest pitcher but she has good location and is very smart."
Yokely had two singles for the Bulldogs while Hill also hit the ball well and left fielder Chelsea Fegert played well defensively.
kovach@vindy.com