Byron tops Pine Island 11—1
PHOTO BY BECKY MATHRE
The Byron softball team combined dominant pitching and timely hitting to defeat Pine Island 11–1 in six innings on March 31.
Pine Island scored first in the top of the first inning, using a Byron error to bring home a run. That would prove to be the Panthers’ only offense of the game.
Mackenzie Steele started in the circle for the Bears and delivered a strong outing. Steele worked four innings, allowing just one hit and one run while striking out 12 batters to keep Pine Island in check.
Byron answered quickly at the plate. Kaydence Fjerstad jump-started the offense with a two-run double that drove in two runners and gave the Bears a 2–1 lead.
The Bears extended the advantage in the middle innings. Ella Brennan blasted a solo home run, Hattie Mathre drew a walk that brought in a run, and Tallie Behrens lined a single to drive in two more as Byron built a 6–1 lead.
Jayden Voeltz took the loss for Pine Island, pitching 3 1/3 innings while allowing five runs on seven hits with two strikeouts and one walk.
Caliegh Barrone closed the game in the circle for the Bears, tossing two scoreless innings. Barrone did not allow a hit, struck out five, and issued no walks as the Bears maintained control.
Byron added runs in the final innings to reach the 10-run margin and end the game after six innings with the 11–1 victory.
The Bears showcased strong pitching, productive at-bats, and solid defense throughout the contest, as they secured a convincing win.
Box Score:
Byron 11,
Pine Island 1
Byron:
020 423 – 11
Pine Island:
100 000 – 1
Byron: Ella Brennan 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI; Leah Bendix 1-for-2, 2 R; Tallie Behrens 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 1 R, 1 SB; Hattie Mathre 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 R. Pitchers: Mackenzie Steele 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 12 K. Caliegh Barrone 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K.
Pine Island: Maddy Skibsted 1 R, 1 SB. Pitchers: Jaedyn Voeltz 3.33 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K; Maddy Skibsted 1.67 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 0 K; Lily Reiter 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K.
Mackenzie Steele pitches for Byron against Pine Island, striking out 12 over four innings.
Kaydence Fjerstad hits a two RBI double in the 11-1 win over Pine Island.