Local Sports Journal
The Grand Haven Bucs varsity softball squad jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in Saturday’s title game of the Byron Center Tournament, before the host Bulldogs batted back to score five straight runs to take the title 6-4.
The Bulldogs used a walk, a hit-batter, and an error to tie it at 4-all in the sixth, then added two more runs to steal the lead. They held Grand Haven off the board in the seventh inning to seal the win.
Louisa Johnson knocked had a two-run single for Grand Haven while Jordan Buckingham was 2-for-2 at the plate.
The Bucs downed Lee 4-2 in the opener, taking the lead in the fourth inning with RBI singles from Mikayla Gronback and Kaylee Hartwell.
Grand Haven added a run in the fifth inning with Louisa Johnson’s RBI double, and Hartwell banged out an RBI double in the sixth. Hartwell also pitched all seven hits for the win, surrendering seven hits and striking out three.
In the day’s second game, the Bucs notched a 7-2 win over Hesperia.
The Bucs jumped to an early lead and then relied on solid pitching and defense to control the game and secure the victory.
Grand Haven had a big third inning, sparked by a Gronback RBI single to drive in teammate Morgan Hill, followed by a two-run homer by Hartwell.
Buc pitcher Kylie Masko picked up the win, striking out six and walking two in seven innings of work.
Louisa Johnson, Gronback, and Hartwell each went 2-3 at the plate, combining to score three runs and drive in five.
