MILL CREEK — Last year after Mariah Mitchell played a softball game, classmates would ask, “Did you lose again?” These days, the more appropriate question is “Who did you beat this time?”
Mitchell, a senior right fielder on the Lynnwood High School softball team, played a key role Friday in the Royals’ 2-1 victory over the Jackson Timberwolves. Her leadoff infield single and run ignited Lynnwood’s two-run rally in the sixth inning. Meanwhile, her teammate Julia Nealer was strong on the mound and at the plate in an intense Western Conference South Division game.
Nealer tossed 11 strikeouts and overcame five walks in a complete-game, four-hit performance, propelling Class 3A Lynnwood (10-3 Wesco South, 11-4 overall) to its first win over 4A Jackson (12-2, 14-2) in at least eight years. How good did it feel for Lynnwood, whose seniors were previously 0-7 versus the T-wolves?
“Awesome,” Nealer said. “It shows that we can hang with anybody now.”
Earlier this season, Jackson edged Lynnwood 2-1 in eight innings. In the rematch on a sun-drenched afternoon, Jackson scored first. It took a 1-0 lead in the third inning after first baseman Allison Higinbotham walked and later scored on a fielder’s choice on Chandra Tewari’s bunt.
Lynnwood didn’t get a hit off Jackson pitcher Dani Jackman (eight strikeouts and two walks) until the fourth inning and didn’t score until the sixth. Mitchell, the No. 9 hitter, led off with an infield single. Then freshman Jordyn Berg reached base when Jackson failed to complete a force play.
Two outs later, with Mitchell and Berg on second and third, Nealer blooped a hit in front of Jackson shortstop Carly McEachran. That drove in Mitchell, and Berg scored the go-ahead run on McEachran’s throwing error to first base.
Lynnwood found a way to grind out a few runs, something they’ve done all season, first-year Lynnwood coach Matt Rockne said: “When things are going against us, we just put our heads higher and we focus a little bit more. We play with intensity.”
Jackson’s run motivated Nealer, who entered the game with 22 consecutive scoreless innings this week in 1-0 victories against Mountlake Terrace and Meadowdale. Nealer stranded five Jackson baserunners over the third and fourth innings, striking out five hitters.
“After they scored the first run, it gave me a little bit more drive to keep going and push even harder,” she said.
“That’s just pitching with confidence,” said Rockne, “and pitching under pressure.”
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Nealer gave up a walk with two outs. But she got Jackman to pop out and end the game.
“Nealer’s improved tremendously, and as she goes they go,” Jackson coach Mike Moran said, praising the senior’s pinpoint accuracy and breaking pitches.
Jackson’s three defensive lapses during Lynnwood’s rally were uncharacteristic and costly, said Moran: “Quite frankly, we gave them the game today. They shut us down — we got the one run — but we just have to play better infield defense.”
Jackson center fielder Kimmi Kumangai was the only player for either team with multiple hits. She singled twice.
Lynnwood catcher Kelsey Parker, who caught Jackman’s game-ending popup, threw out two runners.
Trying to grab the top Wesco seed for the upcoming 3A District 1 tournament, Lynnwood has another huge game Tuesday. The Royals play host to Shorewood (11-2 in division).
At Jackson H.S.
Lynnwood0000020—231
Jackson0010000—142
Nealer and Parker. Jackman and Covello. WP-Nealer (11-4). LP-Jackman. Records-Lynnwood 10-3 in division, 11-4 overall. Jackson 12-2, 14-2.
Mike Cane: 425-339-3471, mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
