Eagles pick up second victory

Softball

     It was a four-game week for the Midland softball team, which picked up its second win of the season in the process.

     Midland (2-6) started the week by splitting a doubleheader at Springville June 24, losing 7-3 and winning 5-3. In the first game, the Eagles couldn’t catch up after falling behind 5-0 through three innings. Gracie Harrington batted 2-for-3. Sophia Raubs pitched and took the loss.

     The Eagles rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win the second game, scoring one in the fourth inning and four in the fifth. Rachelle Cole pitched all seven innings to get the win, allowing seven hits. Midland had eight hits.

     Midland played host to Alburnett in a June 25 doubleheader, and lost by scores of 4-2 and 7-0. Raubs pitched all seven innings in the first game, allowing just three earned runs and striking out five, but took the loss. Allison Paulsen batted 2-for-2.

     In the nightcap, Midland was held to four hits. Brennah Ricketts was 2-for-4 at the plate. Cole pitched and took the loss. Alburnett scored all seven of its runs in the fifth inning.

Baseball

     Midland (5-4) began its week of baseball with a pair of romps at Springville, winning 9-0 and 12-1, the second game in five innings. Alex Smith pitched a four-hit shutout in the first game, allowing no walks and striking out 10. The Eagles collected 11 hits. Jensen Dodge went 2-for-3 with a double, two stolen bases and two runs batted in. Warren Etten also was 2-for-3. Smith was 2-for-4 with three RBIs, and Iziek Soper was 2-for-4 with a double.

     “Alex really had command of all of his pitches, and we played solid defense behind him,” Midland coach Josh Soper said.

     In the second game, Zain Sauer and Etten combined on a six-hitter, with Etten getting the win. Aaron Bixler batted 3-for-3 with a double and five RBIs. Smith was 2-for-2.

     “Aaron had tremendous at bats all night,” coach Soper said. “Other guys at the bottom of the order stepped up too.”

     Midland then played host to Alburnett June 25, and lost by scores of 13-9 and 14-4, the latter in six innings. Midland had five hits in the first game, including doubles by Smith and Bixler, Jamisen Dodge drove in two runs.

     Wilson Buckwalter batted 2-for-3 in the second game. Alburnett scored seven runs over the first two innings to take early control.

     “Alburnett is a really solid ballclub in all areas,” coach Soper said. “Hopefully we will get another opportunity to play them in the postseason.”