Another Comeback Just Short for Dodgers Softball

The Madison High School softball team lost another close game on Tuesday, falling to the Morris Catholic Crusaders 8-6. The Dodgers scored four runs in the top of the seventh, and looked poised to tie up the game, but Morris Catholic's pitcher Jeane Drury, who recorded 12 strike-outs total in the effort, threw back-to-back strike-outs to end the game.

"I just knew I had to focus, relax, and throw the pitches I know how to throw," said Drury.

Nicole Iannarone was on the mound for Madison, and backed by strong defense from the Dodgers, did not allow a single runner on base for the first three innings of the game. Iannarone struck out two in that time, and forced the rest of the Crusaders batters to either ground out or pop out.

"I was excited because it was a close game," said Iannarone. "I thought we could win, we did really good."

Iannarone, along with shortstop Nikki Caruso, led the Dodgers offensive front. Caruso batted in the first two runs of the game in the top of the fourth with a double, scoring Emily Klein and Juliana Vezza to take the lead 2-0, but in the bottom of the fourth, despite a diving catch from Caruso, the Crusaders tied the game.

Iannarone hit three singles in the game, one an RBI shot in the seventh inning during the Dodgers' late rally.

"I felt comfortable the whole time… I even took one to the other side, which I'm not very good at," said Iannarone.

Going into the seventh, the Dodgers trailed 8-2, but near comebacks seem to be common this season for Madison. Against Kittatinny in the first game of the season the Dodgers scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh, falling short by only one run. In their next game against Butler they were trailing 17-10 going into the final half-inning of the game, but ended up scoring six runs, again threatening a comeback.

Their seventh inning effort against Morris Catholic was reminiscent of those first two games. It started with a single from Tori Ellis, Iannorone's RBI single, and a single from Emily Klein. Then Juliana Vezza, who has been one of Madison's most consistent hitters this season, knocked in another run for the Dodgers.

Down by four, Mackenzie Ellis was at the plate with the bases loaded. The Dodgers were hitting Drury better than they had all game, and Ellis kept Madison rolling with a double to right field, scoring two more. Then Drury returned to form and ended the game with two straight strikeouts.

"We could have beaten them," said Madison coach Hector Martinez. "But they did a good job."

The Dodgers will be going to Hanover Park on Wednesday, to face the 0-5 Hornets. Morris Catholic shut out Hanover Park earlier this season, 8-0.

Highlights

Nicole Iannarone – 3-for-4, RBI

Nikki Caruso – 1-for-3, 2 RBI, walk

Mackenzie Ellis – 2-for-4, 2 RBI

Emily Klein – 2-for-4

Juliana Vezza – 2-for-4, RBI