Ever since crushing rival Northeast by 11 runs earlier in the spring, Chesapeake eyed its regular-season finale with Crofton. Only one county loss marred the Cardinals’ record. If Chesapeake could claim the better of them on Friday, too, the Cougars would play again Tuesday for the county championship at Bachman Sports Complex, where they’d be happy to play a rerun with Northeast.
But Crofton wasn’t interested in being a stepping stone for Chesapeake’s dominant year.
By the time Crofton racked up four runs through three innings on the Cougars’ field, and allowed only one, they knew what they were about to do.
Crofton cruised to a decisive 9-1 victory over Chesapeake.
Right fielder Jasmine Daubert (2-for-3) clubbed in four RBIs, followed by Amaya Mullings with two and both Alanna Yancey and Lynsie Herman with one. Herman bewitched the Cougars batters with 11 strikeouts, served only one hit and no walks allowed.
With the win – and Northeast’s subsequent victory over Arundel – the Cardinals and Eagles are set to play again in the county championship game for the second straight season.
“I think in the back of their minds they knew it was a must-win game to get to the county championship,” Crofton coach Sarah Bible said, “so they were motivated to play.”
Chesapeake starter Amya Murphy piches aginst Crofton at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton’s Lynsie Herman pitches against Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton’s Alanna Yancey slides into third with a stolen base against Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Yancey then scored after the throw got past Chesapeake third baseman kasey Slade. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton’s Grace Ackermann races home to score on a triple by Lynsie Herman against Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Chesapeake second baseman Alana Watts catches a pop fly for an out against Crofton at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton’s India Stokes slides home to score from third on a bunt against Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Chesapeake third baseman Kasey Slade fields a grounder against Crofton at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Chesapeake shortstop Amya Murphy fields a grounder against Crofton at Chesapeake High School. Murphy was the starting pitcher then switched to shortstop after being relieved. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton’s Amaya Mullings smiles as she approaches her teammates waiting at home plate after hitting a home run against Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
Crofton pitcher Lynsie Herman, left, high fives catcher Makenzie Reyes after a complete game win over Chesapeake at Chesapeake High School. Crofton won 9-1.(John Gillis/Freelance)
