May 6, 2021 at 8:37 a.m.
Hodag softball makes short work of Lakeland again, wins 16-1
Hodag softball makes short work of Lakeland again, wins 16-1
The Hodags scored early and often Tuesday afternoon in Minocqua, defeating the Thunderbirds 16-1 in a game that was called after four innings due to the mercy rule.
Eleven of those runs came in the top of the fourth inning as the Hodags strung together 14 hits overall. Meanwhile, sophomore Abigail Bixby allowed a run on three hits to pick up a win in her first career varsity start.
"We hit the ball pretty well," Hodag coach D.J. DeMeyer said. "I don't even know how many hits we had. We stole bases. It was the same thing we saw (last) Tuesday, but we made the adjustment of getting used to the speed of the pitcher a little bit better this time."
The Hodags jumped on Lakeland pitcher Macy Hameau right away in the top of the first. Addi DeMeyer, Bixby and Hannah Worachek collected three straight hits to start, giving Rhinelander a 2-0 lead. Kylee White then singled home Worachek and Haley Ives was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in the fourth run of the inning.
Worachek walked, stole two bases and scored on a throwing error to tack on another run in the second before the floodgates opened in the fourth.
The Hodags sent 15 batters to the plate that inning and collected seven hits. Chloe Felde had a pinch-hit two-run single in the inning, Annika Johnson had a pair of RBI hits and Addi DeMeyer added a two-run single.
White finished the day with three hits and three RBIs, Worachek also drove in three on a couple of hits. DeMeyer and Maddi Roeser each collected two hits in the win.
Lakeland's lone run came in the third as Britta Salquist was hit by a pitch, was bunted to second and scored on a Camille Quade single.
Bixby struck out one and walked one to earn the victory.
"She pitched well," coach DeMeyer said. "She struggled a little bit with her changeup at times, but this was a good first varsity start for her. I was pleased with what I saw."
Rhinelander swept the season series with the T-Birds, after defeating Lakeland 15-0 in the Hodag Dome April 27. Just as in that game, the teams stuck around and played a couple of exhibition innings after the game was declared official.
"After the game was over, we played another inning or two and we were able to get Laney Haenel (some innings)," coach DeMeyer noted. "She actually pitched for Lakeland because they didn't have any pitchers left, but she got to throw against us and she threw well. It's good to see that."
The Hodags were back in action Thursday at home against Northland Pines in a game that concluded after deadline. Rhinelander will hit the road tomorrow for a non-conference doubleheader against Wausau East.
Jeremy Mayo may be reached at [email protected].
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