FIELD TWP — Ely used speed on the bases and steady pitching from Zoe MacKenzie to take a 5-1 win over North Woods last Thursday.
The Timberwolves didn’t rely on a big inning, instead manufacturing runs throughout the game.
Ely struck first in the opening inning. Peyton Huntington led off with a single, then stole second and third to quickly move into scoring position. With one out, Makenzi Huntington grounded out to shortstop, allowing Huntington to score for a 1-0 lead.
The Wolves added to it in the third.
Peyton Huntington again reached base on a single, then stole second and then third. MacKenzie followed with a double to center, driving her in to make it 2-0.
Ely extended the lead in the fifth with a mix of patience and pressure.
Peyton Huntington drew a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on an error. Makenzi Huntington singled to bring her home, then later scored on a wild pitch to push the advantage to 4-0.
The Timberwolves added their final run in the sixth.
Julia Zgonc singled and moved into scoring position before Grace Flynn doubled to center, driving her in to extend the lead to 5-0.
North Woods answered in the bottom half of the inning.
Josie Gibson worked a walk, then stole second and then third. Ella Kruse followed with a single to center, scoring Gibson to cut the lead to 5-1.
MacKenzie closed things out from there for the complete game win. She allowed just the one run while striking out seven and limiting the Grizzlies to five hits and only two walks.
Ely finished with eight hits and made the most of its opportunities on the bases.
Peyton Huntington led the way, reaching base multiple times, stealing five bases, and scoring three runs. Makenzi Huntington added a hit and drove in a run, while MacKenzie helped her own cause with an RBI double.
Zgonc went 2-for-2 and scored a run, and Flynn added a double and an RBI.
Zoey Burckhardt went the distance in the circle for the Grizzlies, allowing eight hits and five runs while striking out eight.