RC Softball claims a WIAA Regional championship

DODGEVILLE, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The Richland Center softball team claimed a WIAA Regional championship with a 5-4, eight inning win over Dodgeville. The game at Dodgeville saw a total of three home runs and some clutch plays down the stretch.  

Hornet freshman pitcher Kyree Fischer struck out nine and gave up six hits.  Senior Carly Mieden and Fischer were both two for three with a walk. Freshman Jaycee Gander hit a two-run home run in the first inning for the Hornets.

For Dodgeville, Kayla Brom hit two runs in the first and Tommie Crubaugh had a lead-off solo shot in the fourth. Ava Lord suffered the pitching loss after working eight innings.

The game ended with a bit of controversy. The umpire crew advised both head coaches that if the game went to extra innings, they were to use ghost runners, which means a runner would be placed at second base to start each inning. Both coaches agreed to this format.

The Hornets’ Jaycee Gander scored on a throwing error and Dodgeville stranded runners at second and third in their half of the eighth inning, and the game ended. The Hornets were presented with the regional plaque. Late last night, Dodgeville Athletic Director Joey Martin made an official protest of the game to the WIAA because of the use of ghost runners which he claims is not a practice that is used in WIAA tournament games. 

The Hornets are planning on a trip to Prairie du Chien on Tuesday, June 3, for a WIAA Sectional Semi Final.

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