McArthur – The young Mt. Shasta Lady Bears have been making progress throughout the season towards being an SCL force. However, as often happens with young teams, there are numerous ups and downs along the journey. Last Friday’s double-header against the Fall River Bulldogs was one of those down turns.

In game-one, the Lady Bears put up a run in the top of the first inning, and added three more in the second inning to lead the Bulldogs 4-0. Then came one of those innings ball clubs like to forget. Fall River scored five runs, none of them earned, to take the lead 5-4. The Lady Bulldogs added two more unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, to win 7-4.

“(In) the first game, Lauren (McCurrey) pitched her best effort ever, giving up five hits and no earned runs. We let her down in the second inning on three consecutive errors,” said Mt. Shasta Coach Greg Eastman.

Offensively for the Lady Bears, Amber Butts went 1-3, with two runs, and a walk. Valerie Hougan and Donetta Young each went 1-3, and scored a run a piece. McCurrey started, pitched all six innings, and was tagged with the loss (7R, 0ER, 5H, BB, 4K).

In game-two, the Lady Bears again jumped to an early lead, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning. Fall River put a single run on the board in both the first and second innings. Going into the bottom of the third inning, Mt. Shasta led 3-2, but Fall River scored three runs to take the lead 5-3. The Lady Bears answered back in the top of the fourth inning to tie the game at 5-5. Fall River matched the Lady Bears with two runs of their own in the bottom of the inning to regain the lead 7-5. Mt. Shasta scored a run in the top of the sixth inning, to cut the Bulldog lead to a single run, 7-6. The Lady Bears had runners on base in the top of the seventh, but were unable to complete the comeback.

Despite the losses, Eastman sees continuing progress in his team, and felt that they played well in the second game.

“(The) nightcap was well played by both teams. Kayla Emerson pitched well and we left the tying and go-ahead runs on base in the seventh. We’re getting closer to where we need to be, but are also running out of time,” said Eastman.

Butts again led the Lady Bears’ offense, going 1-2, with two runs scored, and two walks. Hannah MacKenzie and Hougan each went 1-2, and scored a run a piece. Hougan also had a sacrifice. McCurrey and Bella Campbell each walked and scored a run. Kayla Emerson started and took the loss (5IP, 7R, 4ER, 4H, 3BB, 2K). McCurrey pitched the sixth inning and gave up no runs, hits, or walks.

The Lady Bears are 3-5 in the Shasta Cascade League (7-12), and sit in fifth place, behind Fall River (4-4). Mt. Shasta will travel to Alturas to play second place Modoc (4-2) on Friday, April 18.