Three run third takes the day

Stayton – Regis put runners on base in every inning, and the Rams only suffered three strikeouts, but only in the third inning were they able to capitalize, scoring all the runs of the day to take a 3-0 win over Waldport, in a Pac West Conference playoff game that ensured the winner of at least a third seed in the 3A state playoffs.

The Rams used singles by Skieru Kudo and Ali Crocker to set the table, and Alex Menten delivered, with an RBI double to center field to break open the scoreless game in the bottom of the third inning. It would be the only extra base hit of the day.

Alex Menten’s RBI double was the only extra base hit of the game.

Regis cleanup batter Emily Perlich followed with an RBI single to score Crocker, and two batters later, a sacrifice by Tessa McGill scored Crocker.

Regis’ Emily Perlich delivers an RBI single.

The three runs would be all the Irish’s Kristen Tharp would surrender, as the Rams left seven runners on base, five in scoring position.

Waldport’s Kristen Tharp shut Regis out in all but one inning.

But it would also be all the runs that Ram pitcher Amanda Olheiser would need. Olheiser was perfect in the circle until two outs into the sixth inning, before a pair of infield singles brought the tieing run to the plate. And Waldport’s second batter in the order, Cassie Martin, drove a deep drive to left field, but Regis’s Kaylea Gescher made an over the shoulder catch to end the Irish’s only threat of the day.

Regis’ Kaylea Gescher makes the over the shoulder catch.

Olheiser got her eleventh strikeout of the game to open the final inning, but then allowed another single. A fly to center, and fittingly, a popup that Olheiser handled handed the win to Regis.

Ram Coach Doug Highberger observed “Amanda threw very well, perfect for almost six innings, and she allowed no walks. You can’t ask for more.”

Regis’ Amanda Olheiser struck out 11 Waldport batters.

The win sends Regis (17-6) to Harrisburg (20-4) on Friday, where the winner will earn the Pac West’s second seed, and a home game in the first round of the 3A playoffs, while the loser will pack their bags for a trip to Gold Beach. Regis had defeated 4A playoff bound Sweet Home 8-4 Monday.

Coach Highberger declared the performance “A good start to the post season for us. We get at least two more games. We didn’t hit the ball all that well (referring to only the one extra base hit), but we played good defense. When we do that, with good pitching, we will be in the game.”

Waldport finished their season 7-8.

Waldport       000 000 0  -  0  3  1

Regis            003 000 x  -  3  8  0

Kristen Tharp (L) & Kayla Snow; Amanda Olheiser (W) & Alex Menten. 2B – Menter (R).

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