By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
DAYTON, Ore.– The Dayton Softball team had to clutch up when they needed to the most.
They led 5-1 over 3A Special District 3 foe Yamhill-Carlton going into the fifth inning, only to see the Tigers make it a one run game going into the seventh inning with all the momentum on their side.
RBI hits by Taylor Bradford in the fifth as well as RBI hits by Ella Amerson and Addison Tuning in the sixth helped get the Tigers back into the game in the 3A State Semi-Finals.
The Pirates mantra all year has been “Make It Count,” and here was their opportunity to make it count with a State Championship appearance on the line.
Gabby Chupp, who came into for Charly Upmeyer in the sixth inning, went to work with back-to-back strikeouts. She closed out the 5-4 victory forcing a line-out to Lou Auvil, Auvil making a leaping catch to keep it in the infield to clinch the Pirates first State Title appearance since 2019.
“It’s definitely nerve-wracking, but i feel like once you get into a groove. It’s definitely fun,” starts Chupp. “We had our bats going early in the first inning, and we knew that they were going to put up a fight. Our pitchers did really well, and our defense had our backs, and we really wanted it really bad.”
These competitive games have made them a better team, but it all starts in practice for the Pirates. And it’s translated over to the games.
Chupp hit a two-run home run and had two hits to go with two strikeouts. Auvil and Lillie Brooks both also had two hits to contribute to the team. Upmeyer struck out another three batters to help start the game on Tuesday.
“These games have definitely made us a better team. We win the games at practice. Every day we go 100 percent. Our practice uniforms say “Make It count” on the back, and we’re definitely making it count, and I’m excited to play whoever we’re playing,” said Brooks.
Now it’s to the Jane, Jane Sanders Stadium, where they’ll play another league opponent in Scio. The Loggers rallied to defeat South Umpqua Tuesday for their third-straight trip to the State Championship Game.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
