By Gerardo Bolong
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On a sun-soaked afternoon in SeaTac, the first place Bellevue Christian fastpitch softball team overwhelmed the host Warriors 13-0 in five innings of play on Tues., April 24.
Pitcher Katie Pippel limited SC to one hit while striking out eight batters.
The first two innings were scoreless before the Vikings struck for a three-spot in the third inning.
Using a series of extra base hits, Bellevue Christian from Clyde Hill led 3-0.
Like people trying to climb out of a rapidly filling deep hole, the host Warriors were unable to extricate themselves out.
More power hitting accounted for a BC four-run fourth and a demonstrative six-run fifth.
On the Seattle Christian offensive side, little was happening.
Olivia Clark’s single into left field and a one-out hit batter placed two Warrior runners on base, but they would advance no further in the second inning.
In the third inning, Kelsey Wieland and Madison Fors drew consecutive walks with one out, but were stranded for lack of a key hit.
Kaitlyn Royal and Madison Fors had back to back walks, later advancing to second and third bases, respectively with one out in the fourth inning, but were stuck there.
After back to back good wins against a Highline (3-1) and Vashon (14-0), Seattle Christian (1-3 league and 3-6 overall) just had trouble igniting a spark against Bellevue Christian (4-1 and 9-5).
The Warriors have progressed with many first time players who are still learning basics and situational softball.
“Their pitcher controlled the tempo,” said SC head coach Rick Ronish. “Once we got behind, it just kept getting tougher. We’re getting better (as the season progresses).”