Tornado slips by Grizzlies

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The North Medford softball team opened play at Larry Binney Field on a winning note Wednesday afternoon behind a stellar pitchers' duel between Taylor Schmidt and Ashland star Bella Pribyl.

Both hurlers gave up just five hits but Schmidt received plenty of offensive support early on as the Class 6A Black Tornado handed the 5A Grizzlies their first loss of the season with a 3-2 victory in nonconference action.

Schmidt, who also went 2-for-3 at the plate, struck out 11 and walked only two to up her season record to 4-0.

"Both girls pitched well," North Medford coach Mike Mayben said. "Pribyl is a hard-throwing kid. She's a lot like the pitchers we are going to see during the season. She throws as hard as anybody in 6A."

The Tornado (4-3) struck first with a run in the first inning. McKenna Storey led off with a bunt single, was moved to second on a sacrifice from Brittany Griffor, then came around to score on Schmidt's RBI single.

Schmidt again provided a big blow in the fourth inning to spark a two-run rally. After the junior doubled to lead off, Justine Sandoval drew a walk to put runners on first and second. Kassie Choi laid down a sacrifice bunt to push the runners up a base and Jordan Jones, pinch-running for Schmidt, came home on a wild pitch. Amanda Wolfe capped the outburst with an RBI single to right field that plated Sandoval.

Ashland (11-1) made things interesting in the top half of the seventh with two runs, but Schmidt closed the door to end the game.

"I think we were pretty focused all the way through the game," said Mayben. "I think there was a little more nerves and a little more pressure because this was the first game at this field. And that was probably the biggest crowd we've had in a long time. It probably gave us a little extra energy and intensity."

Ashland opens Southern Sky Conference play on Saturday with a doubleheader at home against Mazama.

North Medford is off until Tuesday when it begins the Southwest Conference season against Sheldon at Larry Binney Field.

Ashland 000 000 2 — 2 5 1

North Medford 100 200 x — 3 5 1

Pribyl and Cantrell; Schmidt and Wolfe. W — Schmidt (4-0). L — Pribyl. 2B — A: Silbowitz; NM: Schmidt.

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