No. 2 CCHS run-rules No. 31 Oberlin 12-2

Heading into the bottom of the fourth inning of Monday’s Class 1A first-round contest between Central Catholic and Oberlin, the visiting Lady Tigers had turned a 3-0 deficit into a 3-2 Central Catholic advantage after stringing together a few hits and breaking up a no-hitter by Central Catholic’s Megan Landry.
However, Central Catholic, whose three playoff games a year ago each were decided by a run, made sure that wouldn’t be the case this time.
The No. 2 seed Lady Eagles (25-3) exploded for six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning and added runs in the fifth and sixth innings for a 12-2 run-rule victory in six innings.
“We didn’t think she would throw it by us and strike us out,” Central Catholic coach Joe Russo said of Oberlin pitcher McKensi Reeves. “We knew that we would have to make those adjustments on that type of pitching, and it just took us some time to adjust it out and start seeing the ball where we needed to see it.”
Early on, the Lady Eagles scored three runs in the top of the first inning after a couple of Oberlin errors.
While the Lady Eagles managed just four hits during the first three innings off Reeves, leaving the bases loaded in the bottom of the second inning, Oberlin couldn’t get much going early against Landry. Landry struck out the first eight batters she faced and recorded a putout via a throw to first base to retire nine-hole hitter Kelsey Arcbin.
The No. 31 seed Lady Tigers (7-14) finally got their first hit in their only successful inning offensively when Kelsey Frank singled to left field to leadoff the fourth inning.
With one out and runners on second and third following Alison Fontenot’s hit, Oberlin’s Jennifer Greene hit a double to centerfield to plate both base runners and cut the deficit to 3-2.
Central Catholic got a break to begin the bottom of the fourth when Fontenot dropped what look like a sure catch on an easy line out to her by Hallie Autin.
From there, the Lady Eagles strung together five consecutive hits — singles by Kimberly Russo, Brittany Longman and Bridgette Swan and a double by Landry — to plate a combined three runs. Another run was scored on a passed ball during Swan’s at bat for the 7-2 advantage.
Kelly Russo, pinch running for Landry, scored on a passed ball, while Gee Garrett, who reached base on a bloop single to left field, later scored on a bunt single by Brooke Lipari for a commanding 9-2 advantage.
The Lady Eagles added two runs in the bottom of the fifth and another in the bottom of the sixth.
“They’re competitive, and they’re not No. 2 for no reason,” Oberlin coach Selena Gomes said. “I just felt like we didn’t play our best game and that’s been typical of our year … just not making routine plays. I think if we would have did that, the score would have been a little different, not necessarily with a win for us but just a little bit more competitive game for them.”
Landry earned the complete-game victory. In six innings, she surrendered two earned runs on three hits and fanned 15.
“I’m very proud of that kid,” Russo said. “Megan works hard. When we’re not at practice, she’s at home pitching, and she’s very dedicated to the game.”
Lipari led the Lady Eagles with three singles, two RBIs and a run, while Kimberly Russo and Longman each finished with three singles and two runs. Other top contributors included Swan, a single, a double, two RBIs and two runs; Landry, a double and two RBIs; Gee Garrett, two singles and an RBI; and Hallie Autin, a single, an RBI and a run.
Reeves suffered the loss for Oberlin. In seven innings, she surrendered 12 runs on 15 hits with three walks, one hit batter and one strikeout.
Greene led Oberlin with a 1-for-2 performance with a double and two RBIs, while Fontenot was 1-for-2; and Frank, 1-for-3.
Central Catholic will return to action later this week when it plays the winner of No. 15 St. Mary and No. 18 Covenant Christian, who will play today at 5 p.m. at St. Mary. If St. Mary wins, Central Catholic will host the second-round contest, while if Covenant Christian pulls the upset, the Lady Eagles will be on the road in round two.