Dale Hands Washington First Loss 6–3 Decision

DALE — In a battle of unbeatens, Dale used a steady mix of timely hitting and a key sixth-inning push to hand Washington its first loss of the season, pulling out a 6–3 win Tuesday night at home.

Washington outhit Dale 12–7 on the night but couldn’t capitalize on several scoring opportunities, while the Lady Pirates made the most of their base traffic and played clean behind a two-pitcher effort.

The Lady Warriors opened the scoring in the top of the first when Ava Salcedo grounded out to bring home a run. Dale answered in the bottom of the inning, tying the game on a groundout and taking the lead moments later with a double to center.

Dale pushed the lead to 3–1 in the second on an RBI single and held the margin steady until the sixth, when a leadoff walk and back-to-back hits sparked a three-run rally that broke things open. Washington chipped away with a run in the fifth and another in the sixth, but Dale retired the side in the seventh to seal the win.

Offensively, Kinzlee Pogue led the way for Washington with a 3-for-4 day at the plate. Emersyn Massey and Lexie Salcedo each collected two hits, while Raelee Adkins, Julie Hoehner, and Ava Salcedo all drove in runs. In total, the Lady Warriors had 12 hits from eight different players.

In the circle, Washington used a three-arm rotation. Ava Salcedo got the start and worked two innings, allowing two hits and three runs (one earned), while striking out three and walking two. Ally Dennis was sharp in relief, tossing two scoreless frames with just one hit allowed and one strikeout. Payton Blackburn finished the final two innings, giving up four hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out three and walking two.

Dale leaned on starter Maxtyn Motley, who scattered nine hits over 5.2 innings while allowing just one unearned run. Motley did not issue a walk or record a strikeout, relying instead on her defense to hold the line. Boo Herber earned the win in relief, tossing the final 1.1 innings and giving up three hits and two runs (one earned) with two strikeouts.

Reese Herring led the Lady Pirates at the plate, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and two walks. Dale drew five free passes in the game and committed no errors defensively.

Washington falls to 5–1 on the season and returns to action Thursday in the Heart of Oklahoma Tournament.

Final Pitching Line:

• Washington
  
  • Ava Salcedo: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
    
  • Ally Dennis: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
    
  • Payton Blackburn: 2.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
    
• Dale
  
  • Maxtyn Motley: 5.2 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
    
  • Boo Herber (W): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K