The Wright City Lady Wildcats jumped out to an early lead but ultimately lost to Silex Monday.
Wright City (5-9) lost to Silex 11-5 Monday. Wright City took a 3-2 lead into the third inning. Wright City softball coach Fred Ross liked the Lady Wildcats’ offensive approach early on. He thought their approach later on in the game hindered their offensive attack.
“We jumped on her pretty good early and then we started chasing pitches,” Ross said. “That got us in some trouble later. We started rolling over and going to shortstop.”
Wright City surrendered four runs with two outs in the third inning and trailed the Owls 6-3 after three innings. Wright City later scored a pair of runs in the fifth inning to trim the Silex lead to 8-5. The Owls scored three runs in the sixth inning to take the six run lead.
Ross noted the Lady Wildcats were plagued by their defense in the game. They committed four errors. They also missed two cutoffs. He added the Lady Wildcats struggled to get the third out in an inning. Emma Thomas pitched for Wright City. She pitched seven innings and allowed four earned runs. The other seven runs were unearned runs.
“I think she had three hard hit balls against her all day,” Ross said. “They’re just dropping and flopping and clunking. It was just one of those nights that we’ve been seeing a lot this season. We just can’t seem to get a break and catch one. So we’re going to have to start making our own breaks.”
Paige Rees and Emma Staats each had two hits, including a double, for the Lady Wildcats. Thomas also doubled for Wright City. Rees led Wright City with two RBIs.
Ross was optimistic Wright City will turn the corner soon and see more success on the diamond. He thinks the younger and inexperienced players on the squad are close to figuring out how to be successful at the varsity level. Wright City only has two starters from last year’s team in the lineup. Ross said it usually takes about half a season for players without varsity experience to figure things out at the varsity level. They are right about halfway through this season.
“I’m hoping those younger kids start figuring it out,” Ross said. “We’re close. I tell them every night that we’re a better team than what we’re showing but you’ve got to show it. It doesn’t work if you don’t show it.”
Wright City beat Mark Twain 13-12 in eight innings Tuesday.