Ridgefield’s softball season ends with pair of walk-off losses at state

SELAH – The day started and ended with heartbreak for the Ridgefield softball team.

Twice the Spudders left the field after their final at-bat with the lead only to see their opponent rally in the bottom of the frame to win.

And both winning hits came with two outs.

Kasi Thomas singled home Grace Potter from third base to complete a two-run rally for Lynden as the Lions beat Ridgefield 7-6 in a loser-out game Saturday at the 2A state tournament.

The Spudders’ first game also was a heartbreaker. After taking a 9-3 lead with a six-run fifth inning, Port Angeles rallied by hitting four home runs, including a two-run shot by Peyton Rudd with two out in the bottom of the eighth to win it.

Taylor Worthington hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh to send the game to extra innings.

Mallory Vancleave’s leadoff triple in the sixth against Lynden gave Ridgefield a 6-5. The sophomore had a standout day, going 8 for 13 with a double, two triples and a home run.

Madison Walker was another offensive standout, going 9 for 11 with a two-run home run.

The Spudders bounced back from their first-round loss to Port Angeles with 10-0 win over West Valley of Spokane in the consolation round.

Kaylen Wingerd allowed just one hit while striking out eight for the Spudders. Madeline Smith was 2 for 3 with three runs a double and an RBI, and Vancleave ended the game with a two-run homer in the fifth.

The Spudders ended the season 22-3 with an undefeated regular season, a 2A Greater St. Helens League title and roster that only graduates one senior.

LYNDEN 7, RIDGEFIELD 6

Ridge.   022         011         0—6       15           0

Lynden 031         010         2—7       12           1

Ridgefield

Pitching – Kaylen Wingerd 6.2 IP, 12 H, 7 ER, 3 K, 3 BB, loss. Highlights – Mallory Vancleave 3-4, run, 3B; Kaylen Wingerd 1-3, run; Madison Walker 3-3, 2 runs, HR, 3 RBI; Elizabeth Peery 3-4, run; Makayla Ferguson 2-4, 2 2B; Madeline Smith 2-4, run, RBI; Alissa Wallway 1-4, 2B, RBI; Charlie Harris RBI.

PORT ANGELES 11, RIDGEFIELD 10

Ridge     011         160         01—10  16           4

P.A.        201         030         32—11  10           1

Ridgefield

Pitching – Elizabeth Peery 7.2 IP, 10 H, 9 ER, 7 K, 2 BB, loss. Highlights – Mallory Vancleave 4-5, 3 runs, 2B, 3B, RBI; Kaylen Wingerd 2-4, run; Madison Walker 3-5, run, RBI; Maddie Whitlow 1-5, RBI; Elizabeth Peery 1-5, run, 2B, RBI; Makayla Ferguson 1-4, 2B; Madeline Smith 2-3, 2 runs, 2B, RBI; Alissa Wallway 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI; Charlie Harris 1-4, 2 RBI.

RIDGEFIELD 10, WEST VALLEY-SPOKANE 0

WV         000         00           –0          1              4

Ridge     020         17           –10        11           0

Ridgefield

Pitching – Kaylen Wingerd 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 8 K, 3 BB, win. Highlights – Mallory Vancleave 1-4, HR, 2 RBI; M Walker 3-3, run; Emma Harvey 1-1, run; Elizabeth Peery 1-3, 2 runs; Madeline Smith 2-3, 3 runs, 2B, RBI; Alissa Wallway 1-3, run, 3B, 2 RBI; Charlie Harris 2-3, run, 3 RBI.