The Platte County softball team started the season off 3-2 in the Greater KC Softball Tournament at Adair Park that took place last weekend.
Platte County’s Chloe Helmer pitches the ball on opening day of the Greater KC Softball Tournament at Adair Park on Aug. 27.
The Pirates opened up the year with a lot of new faces since many players from last fall’s historical season were seniors and graduated. Platte County lost a 7-4 opener to Lee’s Summit when it gave up nine hits and only had four of its own.
“We knew in the first game that we were going to make some mistakes, we were going to do some good things and we were going to do some bad things,” Platte County head coach Callie Peoples said. “We made some good plays in the outfield and we worked a lot on the things we talked about.”
The Pirates bounced back with a tight victory over Harrisonville in their only other game on Friday. Platte County won 6-4 as Mackenzie Shields pitched and only allowed four hits.
“They didn’t seem nervous, so that was good thing. A lot of times you have to shake off a few nerves, but for the most part they did a good job of being confident and making the plays they are supposed to make and getting the job done,” Peoples said.
At 8:15 on Saturday morning, Platte County defeated Smithville 9-8 due to a walk-off single by Takayla Lawson in a tie ball game. The Pirates led 8-4 after the fifth inning when the Warriors made a comeback, but Platte County pulled it out.
“In this tournament we were trying some new things. We were trying people in different positions and situations and seeing how they gel together,” Peoples said.
The Pirates fell in their next game to Holden 4-3, but ended the tournament strong with a 13-1 victory over Centralia. Platte County’s offense erupted in the contest as it had 10 total hits, including nine runs in the fifth inning.
“I was glad to see some contact on the hitting side. We had some good at bats and that is always pleasant to see,” Peoples said.