The Emery High Lady Spartans are fighting to stay alive for post-season action as the 2009 softball season nears the end. With three scheduled games remaining, it is possible for Emery to still make the play-offs if they win both of their remaining region games. Emery hosts Salem Hills and travels to Delta this week. Emery lost close games to those two teams earlier in the season but now appear to be hitting the ball much better.
A 10-3 victory over Carbon last week in Castle Dale kept the Spartans hopes alive. Emery also faced North Sanpete and Juan Diego on the road last week, the best two teams in region 8, and came home with losses.
Against the Hawks, Emery could only manage three base hits, two by Gabby Guymon and one by Markette Tanner as the North Sanpete pitcher allowed the ball to be hit, and sometimes hard, but usually right at people.
Against Juan Diego, the Eagles scored five times the first inning as three consecutive Emery errors opened the door. Juan Diego scored once more in the sixth inning but this run also was due to an Emery error. Juan Diego never had an earned run in the ball game.
In this game, Emery’s lone run came in the fifth inning. Michelle Oliver singled to lead off the inning. After two batters struck out, Keera Allred and Adriane Weihing each singled and Guymon walked to load the bases and score Oliver. The next Emery batter then struck out to end the threat. The only other batter to get on base was Guymon with a single in the fourth inning.
Against Carbon, neither team scored in the first innings. For Emery it was five strikeouts and a grounder to shortstop. For Carbon, it was three strikeouts and three grounders to shortstop. Carbon scored a run in the third inning and another in the fourth inning to lead 2-0. Emery scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game.
Makia Sherman walked to lead off the inning and Tanner doubled right behind her. Both would eventually score.
Emery added eight runs in the fifth inning to break the close game open. Weihing singled to open the inning and Guymon walked. Sherman then hit a fielder’s choice with Weihing being called out and Emery still having two on. Tanner walked to load the bases and Oliver walked to force in a run. Danavin Reed then hit a long ball to left center field that cleared the fence for a grand slam homerun. Mackenzie Grange then singled to keep it going followed by Abbie Kay doubling to left field. Keera Allred then singled and Guymon doubled for the last hit of the inning.
Emery scored 10 runs and had 19 base hits in the game while only committing two errors.
Lady Spartans win to stay alive for playoffs
"Markette Tanner throws from short to first for the out."