Fastpitch: Wildcats get offensive in 8-6 win over Storm

A big fourth inning snapped a tie and propelled the Oak Harbor High School fastpitch team to its first win of the season in the Wildcats' 8-6 victory over Squalicum at Hillcrest Elementary Friday, March 19.

Coming off season-opening, back-to-back losses where the Wildcats failed to generate much offense, Oak Harbor exploded for eight runs and 10 hits in the win over the Storm.

The game was tied 3-3 heading into fourth when the Wildcats pushed across five runs to take the lead for good.

Oak Harbor coach Jessica Weikle said, “Whitney Osborn had a great day today as the winning pitcher, but she was also great as a fielder, hitter, and leader. Overall, she had the best showing of the day. She was aggressive, confident and led through example.”

In three innings of work in the circle, Osborn gave up just one earned run and struck out five. Emily Hunt backed up Osborn and picked up the save.

At the plate Osborn was two-for-four with a double, run batted in and two runs.

Osborn received offensive help from teammates Aria Araceley and Morgan Young, who, Weikle said, “Had great nights at the plate.” Araceley was two-for-four with a double and run, while Young was two-for-three with a walk and RBI.

More Wildcat offense was provided by Marissa Fakkema, who had a single and two runs batted in, and Hannah Dolph, who singled and drove in a run.

The Wildcats committed seven errors, but Weikle was pleased with the play of her outfield. She said, “Though we had a few miscommunications, the outfield had a good night today working well together.

“(Emily) Meagher had one putout and Araceley and Young both had two putouts. The freshman's (Young) arm proved to intimidate base runners. One throw from right field to third stopped all runners in their tracks. Squalicum didn't attempt to take third unearned again.”

Oak Harbor begins Western Conference play next week; Cascade comes to Hillcrest Elementary Tuesday, March 23, at 4 p.m.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

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