In a contest that had a total of 37 runs and 36 hits, the West Platte softball team fell short to KCI rival East Buchanan 23-14 on Sept. 9.
After West Platte led 11-7 following the fourth inning, East Buchanan erupted for 16 runs in the final three innings. In both the top of the fifth and seventh innings, the Bulldogs crossed the plate eight times and the Blue Jays were unable to come all the way back.
West Platte trailed 15-11 when it stepped back up to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning and responded with three runs to retake the lead 14-13. Madisyn Matlick and Hailey Shepardson both had RBIs in the inning and the Blue Jays held on to the one-run lead entering the seventh inning.
The Bulldogs’ offense poured in eight more runs to take a seven-run lead in the final inning. The Blue Jays were unable to answer on offense, as Matlick was the only player to get on base when she had a triple.
There were six ties and six lead changes in the ball game with West Platte striking first when it scored four runs in the opening inning. The Bulldogs took a 5-4 margin in the ensuing inning before the Blue Jays tied the game in the bottom of the second inning.
East Buchanan took a 7-5 lead in the third inning and West Platte scored three runs in back-to-back innings to take the 11-7 lead.
Matlick was the top-batter for West Platte when the sophomore had four hits, including one double and one triple, and two RBIs. Colby Shepardson had a team-high four RBIs off two hits.
West Platte ended with ten total hits as six Blue Jays ended with an RBI. They are set to take on North Platte at home on September 15 at 4:30 p.m.