Cardinals fall in walk-off fashion, drop doubleheader to Hesperia

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HESPERIA — A dramatic seventh-inning rally by Mason County Eastern ended in heartbreak Thursday as Hesperia answered with a walk-off two-run homer to hand the Cardinals an 11-10 softball loss in the opener of a West Michigan D League doubleheader.

Trailing 10-9 in the bottom of the seventh inning, Hesperia’s Conkle blasted a home run to center field to score two runs and seal the comeback victory for the Cougars.

The Cardinals collected 10 hits in the high-scoring contest, while Hesperia managed five.

Eastern appeared to seize control in the top of the seventh, scoring five runs on five hits to take a 10-9 lead. Bryanna Hasenbank delivered the key hit in the inning with a two-run single.

Hesperia’s Tanner earned the complete-game win, allowing 10 runs — five earned — on 10 hits over seven innings. Tanner struck out five and walked five.

Miley Kessel took the loss for Mason County Eastern despite striking out 12 batters. Kessel allowed 11 runs — two earned — on five hits while walking two over six innings.

Hasenbank drove in three runs to lead the Cardinals offensively. Brailyn Johnson, Emma Whitaker and Alice Shoup each collected two hits. Anna Story drew two walks as Eastern finished with five free passes. The Cardinals also turned a double play defensively.

Conkle led Hesperia at the plate with three RBIs while going 2-for-3.

In the nightcap, Mason County Eastern again outhit Hesperia, 10-6, but defensive struggles proved costly in a 16-6 loss.

Bridget Whitaker, Kessel and Johnson each had two hits for the Cardinals. Johnson and Whitaker each drove in two runs.

Hesperia broke the game open with a seven-run second inning.

Tanner picked up the win for the Cougars, allowing six runs — five earned — on 10 hits over five innings while striking out two and walking one.

Alice Shoup took the loss for Eastern, allowing 10 runs — none earned — on one hit over 1 2/3 innings while striking out four and walking five.

Kessel worked three innings in relief, allowing three runs — one earned — on two hits while striking out seven and walking four.

Mason County Eastern coach Jenn Whitaker said defensive miscues were the deciding factor in the sweep.

“Tonight was a disappointing loss,” Whitaker said. “Our defense did not show up to back up our pitching today, committing double-digit errors which is unusual. In most games if you get 10 hits you would have won, but our fielding and throwing errors took us out of the game.

“I hope the girls can get some rest over the weekend and come back mentally stronger for next week’s three-game stretch.”