Calyn Mathes launched a two-run home run, Hannah Ritterbusch drove in three runs, and the Lady Cougars scored seven times over their final two innings to finish the game by the run rule. Highland improved to 20-8, while South Shelby’s record stands at 4-15, including four previously uncounted games from its weekend tournament.
The evening honored Highland seniors Keera Rothweiler, Emma Berry and Ritterbusch, and all three contributed to the victory. Rothweiler scored twice and drove in two runs, Berry reached base three times, and Ritterbusch delivered both the double that helped break the game open and the single that ended it.
Brinkley gave Highland control from the circle throughout the evening. The sophomore struck out eight without issuing a walk, allowing only a second-inning single by Janna Livers. She needed just 59 pitches to complete five innings, throwing 41 strikes and facing 17 batters.
“Defensively, our girls played great,” Highland coach Paul Scifres said. “In the circle, Corinne did a great job.”
Highland opened the scoring in the first inning when Rothweiler drew a walk, worked her way around the bases and scored on a wild pitch. South Shelby limited the damage with an inning-ending double play, keeping the deficit at 1-0.
The Lady Cougars added to their lead in the second. Malia Thomas reached base and stole second and third before Mathes drove a two-run home run over the left-field fence, giving Highland a 3-0 advantage.
South Shelby kept the game within reach through three innings. Livers supplied the Ladybirds’ lone hit with a two-out single in the second, then contributed in center field with a running catch to help strand two Highland runners in the third.
“I’m actually very proud with the way we played tonight,” South Shelby coach Mark Requet said. “We didn’t score any runs, but we hit the ball hard. We hit it right at girls.”
Brinkley struck out the side in the fourth, and Highland followed with the rally that created separation. Delilah Megee was hit by a pitch and eventually scored on an errant throw. Walks to Brinkley and Rothweiler, followed by Berry’s bunt single, helped set the stage for Ritterbusch’s two-run double.
Aspen Scifres then lifted a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Berry and extending the lead to 7-0. Highland’s four-run fourth reflected the improved patience its coach saw as the game progressed.
“I think we got more patient probably about the fourth inning,” Paul Scifres said. “Took what they gave us. Got a couple walks, stole some bases, moved some runners around, and started scoring a little bit.”
Highland also backed Brinkley with an error-free defensive performance. In the fifth, first baseman Ali Lundberg caught Morgan Wilt’s line drive before Rothweiler handled consecutive ground balls at shortstop to complete another scoreless inning.
The Lady Cougars finished the game in the bottom half. Mathes led off with a single, and Alayna Logsdon entered to run and stole second. Megee followed with a single, and Brinkley reached on an error to load the bases.
Rothweiler’s sacrifice fly brought home two runs, pushing the lead to 9-0. After Berry walked, Ritterbusch lined a single into left field. Wilt delivered a strong throw home, but courtesy runner Azriel Smith was ruled safe at the plate, providing the 10th run and ending the contest.
Ritterbusch finished 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs, while Mathes went 2-for-3 with her home run and two RBIs. Berry and Megee supplied Highland’s other two hits. The Lady Cougars finished with six hits, seven walks and 10 stolen bases.
Brinkley, Megee, Rothweiler and Thomas each recorded two steals, while Logsdon and Lundberg added one apiece. That speed continued to be a central part of Highland’s offense as the Lady Cougars prepare for postseason play.
“We’re blessed with speed,” Paul Scifres said. “We have a lot of speed and a lot of girls who know how to run the bases.”
For South Shelby, freshman Myra McWilliams worked 4? innings, allowing six hits and 10 runs, eight earned. She walked seven and struck out one while throwing 107 pitches. Requet said McWilliams learned she would be pitching only after arriving at the game and praised her response to the unexpected assignment.
“Myra didn’t even know she was pitching tonight until she got here,” Requet said. “I was very happy for her.”
Livers finished 1-for-2, and the Ladybirds were charged with three errors. Despite the loss, Requet pointed to the experience his younger players are gaining and the development he sees within the program.
“I’m really looking forward to the next several years because we got a good group of middle school girls coming up, too,” Requet said. “Building towards the future, that’s what I’m doing.”
Highland travels to Knox County on Thursday, Oct. 8. South Shelby visits Clark County that same evening before hosting Cairo on Monday, Oct. 12.
(This game recap is presented based upon the coverage of the Hometown Radio Sports Network. Any statistics given should be deemed as unofficial.)
Click here to listen to the broadcast of this game.
