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PREP SOFTBALL: Rabbits break out bats, beat Dragons 16-3

Wabasso’s Cora Eichten (middle) is congratulated by her teammates after hitting a three-run homer against Adrian during the Section 3A Tournament Tuesday in Wabasso. The Rabbits defeated the Dragons 16-3.

WABASSO – The Wabasso softball team kicked off their portion of the Section 3A Tournament with a matchup against Adrian Area. The Rabbits broke open the bats against the Dragons, scoring 16 runs en route to a 16-3 victory in five innings Tuesday afternoon.

Wabasso coach Tiffany Eichten said she was happy with her team’s ability to get off to a quick start and build an early lead.

“We talked about going strong right from the get-go and they definitely did,” coach Eichten said. “They set the tone right away and didn’t look back.”

The Rabbits jumped out of the gate on the offensive end to start, scoring four runs to begin the game. Alison Benz and Emily Benz got things going with bunt singles and used their speed to reach safely, before Cora Eichten smacked a drive over the left field fence for the three-run blast to give Wabasso an early 3-0 lead. The Rabbits later got a run thanks to a wild pitch.

After a scoreless top of the second, Wabasso got another pair of runs across thanks to an RBI single from Emily Benz, who then stole both second and third base before scoring on an error.

The Dragons got on the scoreboard in the top of the third, with Devin Dreesen connecting for a two-run shot to make it 4-2, but the offensive onslaught continued for Wabasso in the bottom of the frame, with the Rabbits producing a grand total of seven runs in the frame to break the game wide open.

After a leadoff single by Jenna Frank, Alexi Irlbeck reached on an error, but the throw home sailed over the catcher’s head, allowing Frank to score and Irlbeck to reach third.

Megan Rothmeier then brought Irlbeck in on an RBI single before a pair of singles by Alison Benz and Emily Benz loaded the bases with no outs. After Emily Benz left the base too early on the ensuing pitch for the first out, Rothmeier came around to score on a wild pitch. Cora Eichten then drew a walk to reload the bases and Lainy Rohlik smashed a two-run double to make it 9-0. Another pitch from the Adrian starter got past the catcher, allowing another run to score to give Wabasso a double-digit lead at 12-2. An RBI single from Frank capped off the inning, giving the Rabbits a 13-2 advantage.

An inning later, Rothmeier led off the frame with a home run of her own, this one good for a solo shot, before the Rabbits got two more runs thanks to an RBI sacrifice from Cora Eichten and yet another run on a wild pitch to push it to 16-2.

Dreesen recorded the final run of the game for Adrian Area with a solo shot to center – her second blast of the game – to bring it to 16-3.

Alison Benz and Emily Benz each led the way for the Rabbits with four-hit games, while Cora Eichten had four RBIs, with three of them coming on the home run.

Coach Eichten said she was pleased her team’s aggressiveness at the plate and on the basepaths.

“I think we were very aggressive and were swinging at good pitches and that always makes a big difference,” coach Eichten said. “There were a couple of times where it got past the catcher and no one was covering, so the girls took advantage of that.”

Emily Benz also earned the victory from the circle, going five innings while giving up three runs on five hits and striking out six.

The junior pitcher said having the support on both sides of the field was really nice to have.

“It’s so awesome. For being a pitcher, the stress is off your shoulders,” Benz said. “And if you walk someone, you know they’re going to get the out so it’s pretty cool.”

She added that her key on the mound was hitting her spots and using her fastball to her advantage.

“I probably hit spots a little bit more,” Benz said. “My changeup wasn’t there but my fastball was my go-to pitch.”

Wabasso then faced off against TMB in their next game, where the Rabbits earned a 12-2 victory. Wabasso (13-5) will face Edgerton/Southwest Minnesota Christian on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in Cottonwood.

Coach Eichten said their biggest takeaway will be maintaining the hot start they got in their opening games and play their style of softball.

“I think the one thing is to keep the tone right from the beginning and stay aggressive and play our game,” coach Eichten said.

Wabasso 16, Adrian 3

Adrian 002 01 — 3 5

Wabasso 427 3x — 16 16

HITTING: Wabasso (A. Benz 4 H; E. Benz 4 H; C. Eichten HR, 4 RBI; Rothmeier HR, 2 RBI).

PITCHING (IP-H-R-ER-BB-SO): Wabasso (E. Benz 5.0-5-3-3-3-6).

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