Eastern sweeps Benzie Central in season-opening doubleheader

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BENZONIA — Mason County Eastern opened its season with a sweep of Benzie Central on Wednesday, winning 14-2 in Game 1 and 17-11 in Game 2.

Game 1: Mason County Eastern 14, Benzie Central 2

Emma Whitaker led the Cardinals’ offense, collecting three hits in four at-bats. She singled in the first, third and fifth innings.

MCE built steady offensive pressure throughout the game. Anna Story singled to center, Hope Figgins added an RBI single, and Bridget Whitaker delivered a triple that drove in a run.

Brailyn Johnson earned the win in the circle in her first full game appearance, allowing two hits and two runs — both unearned — over 4 2/3 innings. She struck out one and walked two.

Benzie Central’s Miller took the loss, surrendering 14 runs (nine earned) on 10 hits over five innings, with three strikeouts and seven walks.

Game 2: Mason County Eastern 17, Benzie Central 11

The Cardinals jumped out quickly in the nightcap, scoring 10 runs in the first inning. Key hits included a two-run single from Bridget Whitaker, a run-scoring triple by Johnson and RBI singles from Alice Shoup and Remington Smith. Emma Whitaker capped the inning with a two-out single on a full count.

Benzie Central rallied in the third and fourth innings, capitalizing on control issues to tie the game and briefly take an 11-10 lead.

MCE responded in the fifth, tying the game at 11 with the help of a Benzie error, then took control in the sixth with six runs on four hits. Emma Whitaker delivered the key hit in the inning with a two-run single.

Johnson picked up the win in relief, allowing one hit and one unearned run over 3 1/3 innings while striking out three and walking four. Shoup started for MCE, giving up six runs on no hits over 2 1/3 innings.

Bella Ullom took the loss for Benzie Central, allowing 17 runs (seven earned) on 12 hits over six innings.

Bridget Whitaker drove in three runs and went 2-for-5. Emma Whitaker, Smith, Figgins and Whitaker each had two hits. Raegan Brynelsen and Karli Clark added singles. Bryanna Hasenbank and Johnson each drew two walks.

MCE coach Jenn Whitaker said the focus was on development.

“Tonight was about getting some experience and exposure on the field for our young players on both teams,” she said. “Our defense was on point and they made good decisions. We worked on some leadership and fine-tuned a few things. It was exactly what we needed to get the season underway. It was fun watching them hit the ball tonight.”

Mason County Eastern returns to action Thursday against Bear Lake.