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MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
HOLTON — Mason County Central struggled defensively and in the circle Tuesday afternoon as the Spartans dropped a nonconference softball doubleheader to Holton.
The Red Devils claimed the opener 12-2 before taking the nightcap 19-7.
In Game 1, Mason County Central managed five hits but committed costly errors as Holton pulled away late.
Payton Cory pitched all five innings for the Spartans, striking out three, walking seven and allowing nine hits with five earned runs.
Charlee Budreau went 1-for-1, scored a run and drew a walk to lead the MCC offense. Mackenzie Carney finished 1-for-2 with an RBI, while Andrea Lopez also went 1-for-2. Ellen Norman and Jordyn Melvin each added a hit. Cory drew a walk and scored a run.
In Game 2, the Spartans again stayed competitive early before defensive miscues and free passes proved costly in a 19-7 loss.
Aubrey Chye pitched 6 1/3 innings, striking out two, walking eight, hitting one batter and allowing seven hits with five earned runs. Cory worked the final 1 2/3 innings, striking out one, walking one and surrendering four hits with two earned runs.
Offensively, Lopez went 2-for-3 with a run scored and a walk, while Melvin finished 2-for-3 with a run scored. Cory was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Chye blasted a solo home run and scored twice.
Budreau and Norman each recorded a hit, Graycee Kalush scored a run and Carney drove in a run.
Mason County Central coach Denise Cory said defensive lapses and uncharacteristic control issues hurt the Spartans in both contests.
“Both games we played a solid four innings of defense, then the fielding errors started to take its toll on us which led to Holton pulling away and taking both games,” Cory said. “We had a total of 11 fielding errors on the night. This is way too many this late in the season. In addition, both pitchers struggled tonight, walking way more than usual as well. We will keep working to get better.”
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