Wolf Pack win with dramatic flair

By ECS Staff
Updated: April 23, 2017

2017 EAST COUNTY PREP SOFTBALL

By Adam Paul

EastCountySports.com

West Hills 4, Savanna 3 – The Wolf Pack took advantage of opportunities late and came out on top in real dramatic flair in the squelching heat over the Rebels a powerhouse from the Inland Empire.

The Rebels of Savanna High from Anaheim who came in on a 4 game winning streak and had previously won their last 3 games by double digits were shut out in the first inning by Wolf Pack starter CARLY BURSCH as she set the tone early.

West Hills looked to get on the board first and that they did as ALYSSA BUBAR (2-3, R, RBI, HR, SB) on a full count blasted the offering over the center field fence for the solo homerun to give the Pack a 1-0 lead. “I just wanted something good to hit and I saw the pitch I liked and it felt good as I haven’t been hitting well lately, It felt good to beat them as they had run ruled teams in their last couple of games.” Said Bubar when asked about hitting the solo shot in the first inning and starting the momentum.

Still with one out, RYLEIGH DOBYNS (1-3, R) followed with a single, ALEX GUAY (3-4, R, 2 RBI, HR) singled, STAR GAYLORD came into run, ASHLIEGH HARTWIG walked to load the bases, a couple of batters later with 2 outs SAVANNAH HENDERSON (RBI) drew the walk to push the lead 2-0.

Bursch pretty much set the Rebels down as she only allowed 1 hit through the first 5 innings and received more help in the bottom of the fifth on a solo rocket shot over the right center field fence by Guay.

Cruising along things looked good for the Pack but in the top of the sixth it got dicey as the Rebels with 2 outs broke through as Kennedy hit a solo home run to make it 3-1. They would add another run to pull within 3-2. Savanna in the top of the seventh would start things off with taking advantage of a West Hills error which would later come around to score to knot the score 3-3. Dobyns came into relieve Bursch and would get the Pack out of the inning to give them a chance to end the game.

Despite losing the lead the Pack went back to business in the bottom of the seventh as leadoff hitter SIERRA SCHLICHTING (RUN) walked, Bubar would lay down the perfect push bunt as the Rebels came crashing in and with confusion Schlichting took advantage and advanced to third, Bubar was able to steal second as Savanna didn’t want Schlichting to come in and score. So with runners on second and third and no outs Dobyns was able to draw a walk to load the bases.

With the bases loaded and no outs the Savanna coach came out and talked to his players to strategize. Savanna after the little powwow pulled the ultimate shift with only two out fielders and pulled the right fielder and moved her into the infield to give them an extra infielder.

Coming to the plate for West Hills was Guay who looked to end the game with a ball to the outfield. On a 1-1 count she took the offering and hit the ball hard to center for a single to score the game winning run and in fact would have scored 2 runs had the Pack needed the extra run. As it maybe the one run was all they needed and that is what they got as it was a nice finishing touch to an exciting game.

Bursch on the day went 6 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits, walked 4 and fanned 6 on the day. “I was a little nervous but I felt good as the game went along and they were a good team.” Said Bursch when asked about pitching against the Rebels who had been in the CIF Division 6 Championship game the previous 2 years.

In relief and earning the victory was Dobyns who went 1 inning, she struck out 1.