The bats were rolling in a relatively low scoring postseason affair when there were 27 total hits and the West Platte softball team came up short in the first round of districts on Oct. 13.
The Blue Jays’ led the Bulldogs all night long until East Buchanan scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and the West Platte softball team lost 4-3. The Blue Jays season came to an end with a 14-7 record when they fell to their KCI Conference rival in the first round of the Class 2 District 7 Tournament at Plattsburg High School.
The West Platte softball team lost in the opening round of the Class 2 District 7 Tournament to East Buchanan on Oct. 13. The Blue Jays fell 4-3 to The Bulldogs as West Platte’s 2021 season came to an end with a 14-7 overall record, which is the first time it has finished over .500 since 2014.
West Platte scored one run in each of the first two innings to be in control of a majority of the contest. In the opening inning, Emily VanNatta singled with a ground ball to left outfield and Colby Shepardson scored.
In the ensuing inning, Sam Baker connected with a pitch and the ball soared to center outfield. Emma Downing crossed home plate, giving the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead after two innings of play.
Despite five hits in the next four innings, West Platte’s offense was unable to capitalize with more runs and held on to a 2-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. The Bulldogs had five hits, including one home run, in the inning to gain their first lead of the night, 4-2.
West Platte didn’t give up and chipped at the deficit, scoring one run in the top of the seventh inning on an RBI single by VanNatta with two outs. Madisyn Matlick was the next Blue Jay batter and the sophomore hit the ball to center field, but a Bulldog caught it, which ended the game.
Colby Shepardson ended with three hits, while Peyton Edmonds, Baker and VanNatta all finished with two hits. VanNatta pitched in the Blue Jays final game and struck out two East Buchanan batters.
West Platte’s 2021 season has come to an end, with the Blue Jays’ finishing above .500 for the first time since 2014.