The Clark College softball team was done in by two big innings Wednesday as Clackamas came back twice to sweep an NWAC South region doubleheader 6-4 and 10-6.
“We were in both games,” Clark coach Mandy Hill said. “We had it. It was right there. We just couldn’t close the door.”
Clackamas (17-5, 5-1 South) was the NWAC runner-up last season to Mt. Hood.
In the first game, Clark led 4-1 after five innings. Clackamas then scored five runs on four hits and two errors in the sixth to take control.
Marissa Pratt was 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI, and Battle Ground grad Haley Hamilton had a two-run triple for Clark. (Click here for complete Game 1 boxscore)
Clark came back from a 4-0 deficit in the second game with a six-run third inning, but then gave up six runs in the top of the seventh.
Three of Clark’s runs in its big inning came on a two-out two-run triple by Jazmyn Boyd-Clark and an RBI single by Camas grad Alicia Huegli.
The 6-4 Clark lead held until the seventh. With one out, Clackamas’ Ashley Culp hit a two-run home run to tie the game. With the bases loaded, Hana Thomas doubled in two runs and Madison Haga reached base on an error and two more runs scored. (Click here for complete Game 2 boxscore)
Hill said the Penguins continue to make strides, adding that Wednesday’s results were big improvements from last season against a powerhouse program such as Clackamas.
“This team has so much potential,” Hill said. “We are building and getting better. We are not where we want to be yet, but getting there.”
Clark (10-12, 1-5 South) next plays at Mt. Hood in Gresham, Ore., at noon Saturday.
