Kelsey Sears strikes out 11 to earn another shot at Cascade

Turner – Stayton used a fast 5-0 start to defeat Estacada 6-3, and advance to play Cascade for the Capital Conference’s third berth in the state playoffs Tuesday.

Taking advantage of a pair of Estacada errors and a hit batter, the Eagles jumped to the 5-0 lead in their first trip to the plate. Lou Nunez’s two RBI single, followed immediately by Kelsey Sears’ two RBI double did most of the damage.

(Updated with photos.)

Kelsey Sears doubles to drive in two runs for Stayton against Estacada.

Beth McDermot scores for Stayton.

Kelsey Sears scores on Kaylee Duchatea’s hit.

The Eagles survived a three run Ranger rally in the third inning, as Estacada used two walks, two successful bunts, and two conventional singles to cut the lead to 5-3.

Estacada cuts the margin to 5-3.

Stayton put the game on ice in the sixth inning, getting out of a jam, and then getting an insurance run. Estacada used a walk, an infield error, and a single to load the bases, but Sears got out of the jam with a strikeout, her ninth of eleven for the game.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Eagles’ Beth McDermot singled off Ranger pitcher Micaleh Kelly’s leg, advanced on a wild pitch, and Nunez then drove her in.

Stayton got an unusual but crucial double play in the seventh inning, on a fly caught behind first base. After the catch, the Estacada runner on first tagged up and tried to surprise everyone by going to second. The alert Eagles were ready, and McDermot’s throw erased the last Ranger threat.

Stayton Coach Steve Miller observed “That big first inning proved very important, as was our defense. I was proud of the way Kelsey (Sears) battled thru stuff. And we played great defense to close out the game.” Sears got the complete game win.

Stayton’s Kelsey Sears struck out 11 Ranger batters.

Miller noted “We have been getting out of jams lately. We hadn’t been early in the season, and it’s a huge difference. We needed time on the field, and now the players expect to get out of jams.”

Key to the game were Sears’ 11 strikeouts, whereas Stayton suffered only three strikeouts themselves. Miller saw the strikeout statistic continuing in importance in the following game. “Cascade has beat us in strikeouts (in the three regular season games, all of which were won by Cascade). In order to win, we have got to cut down on that.”

Estacada finished the season 8-16.

Estacada 003 000 0 - 3 6 2

Stayton 500 010 x - 6 6 1

Micaley Kelly (L) & Erica Campbell; Kelsey Sears (W) & Lou Nunez. 2B – Kelly (E), Sears (S), Amanda Mack (S).

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