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Bulls Barrage Eagles, 8-4

SOFTBALL

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Springstead right-hander Jamie Lee Basinger pushes off the rubber Tuesday night against 4A-8 foe Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: March 10, 2009

SPRING HILL - Wesley Chapel-Wiregrass entered Tuesday's return Class 4A, District 8 matchup at Springstead, hoping to reverse the tables on the Lady Eagles.
According to first-year Bulls Head Coach Amy Lipovetsky, her club was minus four starters in its initial 4A-8 meeting – due to their school's post-season hoop success – on Feb. 10, an 11-6 setback.
Under mild temperatures Tuesday night, third-year Wiregrass had all hands on deck, but this time the Eagles were shorthanded. SHS was without two starters, first sacker Shelby Vaccaro (knee cap) and pitcher Elizabeth Markidis (back).
The East Pasco County club took advantage by smacking 12 singles against Springstead right-hander Jamie Lee Basinger highlighted by a pair of hits by Mary Sorgenfrei, Regan Knapik and Caitlyn Morehouse to split the seasonal series, 8-4.
The Bulls (7-5 overall, 6-4 4A-8), who collected their fourth win in its last five games, sizzled with the gloves converting 31-of-32 chances.
The visitors, who did not a senior, freshman southpaw Ashley Bradford went the first two innings for Wiregrass permitting one run on two hits.
Bradford gave way to right-hander Sorgenfrei, who worked the final five frames to climb to 7-5 overall.
Sorgenfrei permitted five hits and three runs, including a two-run triple down the right-field line by SHS catcher Jen Stevens.
She issued one free pass and struck out one batter.
Sorgenfrei was asked what was the difference was between the first meeting against the Lady Eagles (4-7 overall, 2-6 4A-8) and Tuesday night?
"We took good swings," explained the 15-year-old Sorgenfrei. "We were a lot more focused and we came out to win. I know I came in a lot more confidant tonight."
Another Wiregrass freshman, Kelly McCaffrey, pointed out that both the Bulls pitchers threw strikes.
"They both did very good," summed up the 14-year-old McCaffrey, who finished 1-for-3 at the plate and scored a run. "They both did their best and got us a big win."
Biggest difference?
"Tonight, we played together as a team," she replied. "I just need to be a little more patient at the plate."

Coach's summary

The team effort definitely caught Coach Lipovetsky's attention.
"Overall, it was a very good performance offensively," she remarked. "We got the hits, especially when we needed them.
"Our pitchers threw well, but our second pitcher (Sorgenfrei) is a little more consistent. She doesn't throw real hard, but she has good placement. She's got five pitches and she uses them all."
How much does this win mean with Nature Coast Technical looming on Friday? NCT tattooed the Bulls 10-0 in their first encounter?
"Offensively and defensively we will be put to the test against Nature Coast," said Coach Lipovetsky. "We brought it tonight. We had solid hits. We're gonna need the same on Friday."
From the home dugout, ninth-year Springstead Head Craig Swartout is not pushing any panic buttons. His team was led by Basinger, who collected two hits in four trips. She had been sidelined with a questionable shoulder but appeared pain free against Wiregrass.
"We haven't had any trouble scoring runs on anybody. This team can hit. But before the season, I thought this would be our best-ever defense," recalled Swartout. "It still can be. Goodness knows we make all kinds of acrobatic stops, but we're having problems making the routine plays.
"Our pitchers have pitched their guts out," he added. "Tonight, Jamie Lee gave up one earned run. What we're having trouble doing is getting 21 outs. We've got to make the basic plays.
"Wiregrass caught us a little short-handed," he said. "But that's no excuse. We've dug a hole in the district but I promise you we will get better."

Wiregrass Ranch 8, Springstead 4
123 456 7 R H E
WGR 120 200 3 -- 8 12 1
SPG 013 000 0 -- 4 7 3
WGR – Bradford, Sorgenfrei (3) and Raza.
SPG – Basinger and Stevens.
W – Sorgenfrei (7-5). L – Basinger (1-4).
3B – Stevens (SPG).
Records – Wiregrass Ranch (7-5 overall, 6-4 4A-8), Springstead (4-7 overall, 2-6 4A-8).

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at 352-544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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