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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.
CUSTER — Mason County Eastern battled through seven innings but came up short in a 5-2 loss to Frankfort in the opener of a doubleheader Thursday.
The Cardinals took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a Frankfort error and an RBI double to center field by Anna Story. However, Frankfort answered in the sixth, tying the game at 2-2 with help from a Cardinals error.
Frankfort broke the tie in the seventh inning, again benefiting from a Mason County Eastern miscue to take the lead. A single by Syldee Brozofsky followed, extending the advantage to 5-2.
Sage Myers earned the win for Frankfort, allowing three hits and two runs over seven innings while striking out nine and walking none. Miley Kessel took the loss for Mason County Eastern, going the distance while allowing five runs — none earned — on seven hits, with eight strikeouts and three walks.
Kessel, Bryanna Hasenbank and Story each recorded a hit for the Cardinals. Story and Bridget Whitaker each drove in a run.
Frankfort completed the sweep with a 16-0 win in the nightcap.
Raegan Brynelsen started in the circle for Mason County Eastern, allowing seven runs without surrendering a hit in one-third of an inning while walking six. Myers started again for Frankfort, tossing three scoreless innings with four strikeouts and two walks. Kessel provided relief for the Cardinals, pitching 2 2/3 innings with three strikeouts and three walks.
Mason County Eastern coach Jenn Whitaker said fatigue played a role as the team wrapped up its fourth consecutive game.
“They really battled the first game and played well, holding the score tight,” Whitaker said. “But as the night went on, fatigue set in and we started to struggle. Small mental errors happen in softball and we are learning how to bounce back.”
Whitaker added that she was encouraged by her team’s effort and resilience.
“They are hard on themselves when mistakes happen, but they take it to the team and have each other’s backs,” she said.
The Cardinals return to action Monday for a conference doubleheader against Mesick.
Thank you to the following businesses who make reporting of local sports, like this story, possible:
MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by:
Baker Ford Ludington, 3045 W. US 10-31, Ludington, 888-856-9116, bakerfordludington.com
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Mission Graphics, 113 S. Blaine St., Scottville, 231-845-7030, mymission.graphics
Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
Smith & Eddy Insurance, serving west Michigan since 1902, 231-757-4743, smith-eddy.com
Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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