by Ryan Mosher
The Berlin girls softball team came up big when it counted on Wednesday afternoon. Trailing by two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Deanna Nash drilled a bases loaded triple to give the Lady Mountaineers a 10-9 victory over Rensselaer. The visiting Rams took the lead in their very first at bat, but Berlin tied the game in the second inning when Shaila Morris scored. Rensselaer added two more runs in the third inning, taking a 3-1 lead, but again the Lady Mountaineers would not be put down, as they scored four runs to take a 5-3 lead.
The Lady Rams scored a run in the fourth and fifth innings, to tie the score at 5-5. Berlin once again responded, though. With bases loaded, Sam Spaniol hit a ground ball back to the pitcher. The pitcher threw to the catcher to get the force out at home, but in an attempt to get Spaniol going to first the catcher fired the ball into right field. This error allowed the two other runners to score giving Berlin a 7-5 lead.
Berlin held that lead until the top of the seventh when Rensselaer fought back, scoring four runs and taking a 9-7 lead. So with just three outs remaining, the Lady Mountaineers needed three runs to win their season opener. Brit Spaniol opened the inning with a bunt that died in the muddy field just a few feet up the third base line. Spaniol beat out the throw at first base and then beat out a throw at second base on an infield ground ball by Sam Spaniol. Another single loaded the bases for Deanna Nash with no outs. Nash took advantage of the infield being pulled in and drove a long fly ball over the left fielder’s head. As the runners raced around the bases, the Berlin sideline cheered loudly, and the Lady Mountaineers finally secured their victory.
Nash finished the game 2 for 2 with 3 walks and 3 RBIs. Morris finished 3 for 3 with a walk and an RBI. Morris also picked up the win on the mound.