Jackman outduels Nealer as Jackson beats Lynnwood

Published 11:26 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2009

LYNNWOOD ­— The winner of a classic pitchers’ duel in softball is usually the team that makes the fewest mistakes.

That was the case Tuesday afternoon, as Jackson starter Dani Jackman scattered five hits, all singles, and struck out eight en route to an 2-1 extra-innings victory over Lynnwood in a Wesco South game.

The Timberwolves (4-0 league, 6-0 overall) scored the winning run in the top of the eighth inning when left fielder Cerise Knakal stole third base then came home on a throwing error.

Although the Royals (3-1, 3-2) had baserunners in every inning, Jackman was able to work through jams, relying on her defense and the guidance of her catcher.

“Julia (Covello), our catcher, is the brains behind the operation,” Jackman said. “She doesn’t get the recognition that she should.”

Royals starter Julia Nealer, who was a walk shy of a perfect game in beating Meadowdale 1-0 on Monday, struck out 15 while giving up four hits — also all singles.

“They compete; that (Nealer), she is tough,” Jackson head coach Mike Moran said. “If you aren’t disciplined, and swing at some of her pitches, you’re going to be in trouble. She had us in trouble.”

Nealer had seven strikeouts and had faced the minimum number of batters through four-plus innings before Jackson’s Kimmi Kumanga beat out an infield single.

“She was pretty tough, we don’t face a lot of strong pitchers in our league,” Jackson shortstop Carly McEachran said of Nealer. “She did a really good job of catching us off balance and making us work.”

McEachran made a stunning play on defense in the third inning. With a runner at first and one out, Lynnwood third baseman Cassie Lester hit a soft liner into short left field and McEachran made a running over-the-shoulder catch.

“Our defense — that was the difference in the game,” said Jackman. “Julia Nealer did a great job throwing strikes and keeping us off balance. I tried to do the same on our side, but the defense made the difference in this game.”

Lester singled home the Royals’ sole run in the bottom of seventh inning. With two outs and runners on first and second, Lester hit a solid single up the middle to drive in Jenah Barlow, who had worked a one-out walk, and send the game into extra innings.

“Dani’s tough, but you have to understand, it’s a nine-person team,” Moran said. “She had to use her defense, and she got good defense today. Lynnwood put balls in play, and that’s the game — baserunners, putting the ball in play and not making mistakes.”

With one out in the top of the eighth, the Timberwolves got back to back singles from Knakal — who put down a perfect bunt up the first-base line that rolled past Nealer — and right fielder Chandra Tewari.

One out later, with McEachran at the plate, Knakal took off to steal third and she scored when the ensuing throw went into left field.

“That was anybody’s game,” Moran said. “We just happened to get a couple of runs. I give (Lynnwood) credit, a lot of credit.”

Tewari had two of Jackson’s hits and McEachran had the Timberwolves’ only RBI, sacrificing Jessica Mirante home from third base in the sixth inning.

At Lynnwood H.S.

Jackson00000101—241

Lynnwood00000010—152

Jackman and Covello. Nealer and Parker. WP—Jackman (6-0). LP—Nealer (3-2). Records—Jackson 4-0 league, 6-0 overall. Lynnwood 3-1, 3-2.