By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
WILLAMINA, Ore.– In her first career playoff game, Sheridan’s Madison Blacketer had some nerves, but the senior put them aside as she turned a 22-pitch inning to settle in during Willamina/Sheridan’s 3A State Playoff Game opener on Monday against Pleasant Hill.
The inning helped her build some confidence going into the game as her and the Bulldogs defeated the Billies 15-5 in five innings at home.
“I was a little nervous at first and then when we got into the game it went away. It all just all came along,” Blacketer, who struck out eight batters in the gane.
Blacketer’s offense backed her up too. They helped her with seven first inning runs as turned six walks, two hits, an error and a Fielders Choice into seven first inning runs to go into the second inning leading 7-0 on Pleasant Hill.
The Bulldogs drew 17 walks in what would become an 15-5, five inning victory over the Billies despite only having four hits total.
“It was a big, big thing for all of us. With how last year ended, it was really sad, but I’m really happy we came out and were able to take advantage of those balls, getting on base and how disciplined our hitters are and not swinging at the close ones that are balls,” said Bridgette Manley.
For a moment, Pleasant Hill clawed back. They scored five runs in the Top half of the second inning by just putting the ball in play and drawing two walks, two errors and a hit batter to go with their two hits.
It was a 7-5 ballgame going into the bottom half of the third inning.
But the Bulldogs settled back in. They stayed composed offensively. The patience remained as they eventually got those runs back and then some.
Blacketer, after the tough second inning, locked back in and turned shutout innings in the third, fourth and fifth innings as Willamina/Sheridan went on to score the games final eight runs.
“It was good to have everyone with the energy up. All of us worked together. After that second inning everything went smoothly, other than that it was fine,” Blacketer said.
The Bulldogs head to Vale on Wednesday to play the top ranked Vikings.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
