It was not a major milestone, but a milestone nonetheless for the Columbia River softball team Wednesday afternoon.
“It was really exciting to do this for our seniors. They wanted to win on Prairie’s home field. That makes it extra special,” junior Isabelle Parkin said after the Chieftains topped the Falcons 7-2 in a Class 3A Greater St. Helens League game.
“Hopefully we can keep it going and win league for them, too.”
The teams just got past the halfway mark of the league schedule, and River likes the standings so far — Columbia River (4-1) leads Prairie (3-2).
Parkin had two hits and drove in three runs. Pitcher Emma Klundt struck out six and limited Prairie’s powerful offense to two runs.
“I’ve been in a slump,” Parkin said. “Being able to produce was really exciting.”
Parkin’s double in the third inning drove in a run to make it 2-1. After Prairie tied the game, Parkin responded with the biggest hit of the game, a two-run, bases-loaded single to make it 4-2 in the fifth inning.
That run support was enough for Klundt.
“I have my teammates to rely on,” she said. “Everyone tells me they have my back, and I know that’s true.”
The River lead extend to five runs after the sixth inning. Prairie would load the bases with one out in the seventh inning, but the next two batters did not get a ball out of the infield.
“I thought I was going to throw up, but at the same time, I trusted everyone to do it, and we did,” Klundt said.
Aubrey Jones and Gabbi Collins also drove in runs for the Chieftains.
Kate Lawhead and Kylee Snider drove in the runs for Prairie, which has lost two in a row.
