Crescent Valley scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull out a 5-4 softball win over Philomath Tuesday in the season opener for both teams.
After the 5A Raiders had taken a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, the Warriors came back to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the third. Senior Kaylie Kohler led off the inning by walking on four pitches, advanced to second on a wild pitch and stole third. Kohler scored when CV’s catcher dropped a third strike and threw to first base for the out. Seniors Janae Traglia and Hannah Bennett both reached on singles and later with two outs, senior Laighla Hockema walked to load the bases. Kohler then swiped home to give the Warriors the lead.
Crescent Valley tied the score in the third but Philomath again answered in the top of the fourth to regain the lead, 3-2. Freshman Rylee Martin opened the inning with a walk and then stole second and third. Kohler followed two batters later with a one-out double to left field to easily score Martin.
The Warriors extended the lead to 4-2 in the sixth inning. Again, Martin led off the inning with a walk and stole second and third. Kohler hit a one-out sacrifice fly to center field that got Martin home.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Raiders came through to take the lead — all with two outs. CV got two base runners aboard on an error and a walk. The first of those two that reached was later thrown out at home for the inning’s second out. But two singles and an error pushed runs across to put the Raiders on top.
Philomath wasn’t able to get the equalizer in the seventh and the Raiders held on for the win.
Philomath collected five hits in the loss — the double by Kohler and singles by Smith, Traglia, Bennett and Martin.
In the circle, Hockema and Smith each threw three innings. Hockema allowed three hits, one earned run and two walks with two strikeouts. Smith finished with three hits, two walks and two earned runs with four strikeouts.
The Warriors committed six errors in the game.
Philomath (0-1) will play at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at Blanchet Catholic in Salem. The game had originally been scheduled for the Warriors’ home field but excessive water in the outfield made the field unplayable.
