KENNEBUNK — A little more than a week ago, the Kennebunk and Wells softball teams battled in a close contest with few runs.
When the Rams and Warriors met again Monday in cold, raw conditions that usually aren’t conducive to scoring, both offenses erupted. Wells delivered the final blow, scoring six runs in the seventh inning for a 13-7 win.
Wells (4-0), which beat Kennebunk 3-2 on April 22, only had seven hits but took advantage of seven walks and four hit batters. The Warriors recorded their biggest offensive output of the season as they battled back from a 7-4 deficit after four innings.
“We realized the game was not over, and we (know we) can score runs. So we all decided we would go out and do it,” said Anya Chase, who finished 2 for 3 with a home run, a double, four RBI and three runs scored.
After the Rams (2-4) scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning for a 7-4 lead, Wells answered with two runs in the fifth, on a Sara Ring single and a groundout by Olivia Durfee.
The Warriors tied it in the sixth when Ally O’Brien led off with a walk and scored on Chase’s double to center field.
Wells then broke it open in the seventh despite getting just one hit. Four walks, a hit batter, two wild pitches and a groundout produced three runs. Chase’s three-run homer to right field capped the inning.
“I don’t like the fact that we gave up a big inning, but I like the way we reacted to it,” Wells Coach Kevin Fox said. “(The team) came off the field and I challenged them. (I said) it’s your choice, do you give up or do you claw back into this one?”
Both coaches used multiple pitchers.
Wells starter Karissa Kenyon went the first three innings before Chase finished the game. Chase allowed four runs in her first inning but then threw one-hit ball over the final three innings to pick up the win.
“They’re both very good pitchers. We’ve got a lot of confidence in both of them,” Fox said. “The game plan was once we got through their lineup a couple times, instead of (Kennebunk) getting their timing on that pitcher, we can bring in another girl who is just as effective.”
Kennebunk’s relief pitchers weren’t as effective.
Starter Emily Hogue cruised through the first three innings, not allowing a hit. Sydney Waitt and Lydia Howarth followed before Hogue came back in the seventh inning.
“Their one through five (hitters) are a great hitting lineup. Once they see a pitcher one time … we have to rotate through our pitchers to be smart,” said Kennebunk Coach Kortney Nadeau. “(Wells) is going to hit whether we have a fast pitcher or one with mediocre speed. So, hopefully, I can be strategic and throw them off.”
Kennebunk’s Britney Gregoire went 3 for 4 with a home run, two RBI and three runs scored. Hogue went 2 for 3 with two runs and Allie Gregoire recorded two RBI.
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