SULLY — Small ball won out in the May 31 showdown between South Iowa Cedar League conference softball leaders and rivals Lynnville-Sully and Colfax-Mingo. The two Jasper County softball teams went into the game undefeated — 4-0 — in SICL play.
Lynnville-Sully’s Hawks broke out of a seven-game losing streak to Colfax-Mingo’s Tigerhawks, winning 11-4. It was the first win by the Hawks since the Tigerhawks joined the SICL in 2015-16.
The Hawks executed their trademark small ball style offense and played solid defense. Colfax-Mingo committed four errors defensively and Lynnville-Sully had no errors.
Colfax-Mingo Rilee Slycord put a charge in a pitch from L-S Denali Conover with two gone in the top of the first inning. The solo home run over the left center field fence was Slycord’s fourth of the season.
Slycord’s home run put the Tigerhawks up 1-0 then the Hawks went to work in the bottom of the first inning. L-S took advantage of two walks, a sacrifice bunt and two-run single by Caitlin Alberts for a 2-1 lead.
“Colbee wasn’t in her normal comfort zone. Giving up walks in the early innings is unusual for her,” Colfax-Mingo head coach Bryan Poulter said. “We didn’t play clean defense behind her tonight. You have to give Lynnville-Sully credit. They executed their game well.”
The Tigerhawks had baserunners in the second and third innings.
Down 6-1, C-M’s Colbee Cunningham, who was 3-of-4 in the game, began the fourth inning with a single but was out at second on a fielder’s choice.
Chelsea Russell’s hard-hit line drive was caught by L-S’s Shiloh Cunningham at first base. Shiloh Cunningham and Delaney Underwood dove back to first base but Cunningham’s glove touched the bag first for an unassisted double play.
The Hawks added a run in the bottom of the fourth and two more runs in the fifth inning for a 9-1 lead.
With one gone, Slycord was walked then Braedynn Rawlins doubled to center field. Colbee Cunningham singled in the run.
Colfax-Mingo battled to the end with Caylee Cunningham hitting a single to center field and Abigayle Rawlins walking in the seventh.
Slycord drew another intentional walk to load the bases. Braedynn Rawlins doubled in two runs.
Colbee Cunningham took the pitching loss, giving up nine hits, walking five and striking out two.
Colfax-Mingo had three singles by Colbee Cunningham and Braedynn Rawlins doubled and singled. Caylee Cunningham hit two singles and Slycord had a home run.
Colfax-Mingo (5-2, 4-1) hosted Sigourney on June 3 then played a at Pella Christian on June 4. The Tigerhawks were back in conference action on June 5 at English Valleys. They have a home non-conference game against Southeast Warren on June 6.
