The Becker Lady Bulldogs softball team stayed unbeaten on the year as they disposed of Little Falls and Mora in back-to-back shutouts this past week.
Becker 11, Mora 0
Payton Williams went 4-for-4 with a double and an RBI to propel the Bulldogs over Mora Thursday night on the road.
Erika Schwartz had a double and finished with two hits for Becker. Haley Harmon pitched five innings of one-hit ball with nine strikeouts to earn the win.
Stephanie Cannon had Mora's lone hit.
After a scoreless first inning, Becker put up a crooked number with five runs in the second. Williams, Hailey Fitzpatrick and Sam Lorette all had RBI singles in the inning.
Two more runs crossed the plate in the third on RBI base hits by Mckenzie Demant and Williams.
The Bulldogs tacked on two more in the fourth on base hits by Harmon and Ellie Schwartz. The final runs scored in the fifth with the big blow being an RBI double by Harmon.
Harmon picked up the win, going all five innings and allowing just one hit. She didn't walk a batter and struck out nine.
Leading hitters were Williams, who went 4-4 with a double, two runs and an RBI. Schwartz was 2-3 with a double and scored once. Harmon was 2-4 with two doubles and two RBI’s. Lindsey Lorette went 2-4 and scored once.
“I've been very impressed with the level of focus that the team has shown,” said Head Coach Jason Baune. “All 13 girls have really committed to supporting one another and working hard to get better every day.”
Becker 8, Little Falls 0
Last Friday, Becker traveled to Little Falls to take on an undefeated Flyers team.
The game featured great pitching and defense and on offense, Hailey Fitzpatrick stole the show.
The Bulldogs took an early lead when Fitzpatrick singled, stole second and scored on a wild pitch in the top of the first.
Fitzpatrick scored again in the third when she walked and scored on a Sam Lorette double.
The lead grew to three with another Fitzpatrick run in the fifth.
Becker was able to put the game out of reach with three more runs in the top of the sixth when Harmon, Alexa Hanowski and Williams all scored on a Fitzpatrick double.
Two insurance runs in the seventh made the final 8-0.
Fitzpatrick finished the game going 3-for-4 with three RBI’s, three runs scored and two stolen bases. Maddy Mohrman was 2-for-4.
Pitcher Brianna Corey picked up the win, going all seven innings and allowing just four hits. She didn't walk a batter and struck out 11.
With the wins, Becker improved to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in the Granite Ridge Conference.
Next week will prove to be their busiest week of the season as they will host Little Falls Monday then host St. Cloud Cathedral for a doubleheader Tuesday. Thursday, they’ll travel to Zimmerman but return home Saturday to host their 22nd annual Becker Invitational.
“Saturday should be a great day of softball with quality teams from all around the area playing games at 10 a.m., 12 noon and 2 p.m.,” said Baune.
“Anoka (who will be at the Invitational) finished third in the state tournament last spring and teams from Park Center, STMA, Rocori, and Superior, WI
will also be attending.”
