Promising frosh bolster pitching for CHS softball

An impressive pitching performance by freshman Sophia Santos was the big takeaway for the CHS softball team last week as the lady Bulldogs fell to Mansfield 6-2 on the road in their lone game of the week.

Freshman Sophia Santos (Mike Barucci photo)

The game was even closer than the score would suggest, with Canton taking a 2-1 lead into the sixth before the Hornets struck for five unearned runs to seize control of the game.

Prior to that, Santos had looked sharp in her first career start, dueling Mansfield’s Sarah Cahill for five innings while showing good speed and varying her pitches effectively. She also showed poise under pressure as she induced an inning-ending groundout in the fifth to thwart a bases-loaded rally.

Then came the sixth inning and after a single and a flyout, Mansfield capitalized on two infield errors to tie the game before tacking on four additional runs with RBI singles.

Despite the disappointing finish, head coach Dave Bohane felt his team put up a good fight against a top contender in Mansfield, which is currently in second place in the Hockomock Kelley-Rex Division. Bohane added that he was not upset with either of the two late errors as they were the result of aggressive attempts to get the lead runner.

As for Santos, Bohane thought the start was another promising development for the young pitcher, who had previously looked good in two relief appearances, one of which was a three-inning shutout.

Bohane said he also may promote freshman Gillian Gordon to the starting rotation, which would further strengthen the team’s pitching depth and allow them to get some rest in for top starter Caroline Hughes. Bohane said he may alternate the three pitchers depending on matchups.

Also making a good impression in the game against Mansfield was sophomore Sarah Kelly, who drove in both of the team’s runs with a pair of singles. Bohane said Kelly is one of the many unselfish players on the roster who have willingly accepted a position or lineup change to help improve the team.

Bohane added that he is not worried about the team’s record (now 2-6) and is confident that the “wins will come.”

“We have a hardworking bunch who are learning and improving,” he said. “This young team is also unselfish and very team oriented. Good things will come.”

Bohane also noted the play of centerfielder Liz Bickett, who has been outstanding at the plate and is currently fourth in the Hockomock League with a .600 batting average. She also threw out a runner attempting to score in the Mansfield game.

The Bulldogs were due to play their first home game of the season on Tuesday at Tilden Field before resuming play at Walsh Field beginning Monday, May 6. (The field’s grass surface had to be repaired following the installation of lights.) The team also had a pair of road games scheduled for this week, including Friday at Milford starting at 4 p.m.

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Posted by Mike Berger on May 3 2019. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.