Fast start not enough for Baxter softball in season-ending loss

CONRAD — The Baxter softball team had a lead after the first inning of its Class 1A Region 5 opening-round game against BCLUW on Monday.

But the Bolts couldn’t slow down the Comets during a 17-5 season-ending road loss. BCLUW took a lead with a six-run second and then ended the game early with a nine-run fourth.

BCLUW out-hit the Bolts 12-1 and won the game despite committing six errors. The Comets also downed BGM 4-1 in the semifinals on Wednesday but lost to No. 13 Clarksville, 4-3, in the semifinals on July 12. The Bolts retired at 0-20.

Briah Mortensen had Baxter’s only hit and added one RBI. Emie Tuhn walked twice and scored one run, Kendall Brummel had two RBIs and Avery Wonders scored one run and stole two bases.

Gwen Tichy walked once and scored one run, Myah Johnston walked once and Lillian Grunstead and Blaire Jutting each scored one run.

Holly Zahurones (0-4) took the pitching loss after allowing 12 runs — 10 earned — on nine hits, three walks and two hit batters in 2 1/3 innings.

Jutting spun one inning and allowed four earned runs on one hit and three walks and Wonders got one out and allowed one unearned run on two hits. The Bolts committed two errors.

Sarah Garber led BCLUW (15-16) with three hits and two runs. Klayre Gallentine added two hits and two RBIs. She got the pitching win, too, after allowing no earned runs on four strikeouts.