By Paul Valencia, Columbian
High School Sports Reporter
Published: March 30, 2016, 9:54pm
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Parker Boyd was perfect through six innings, then got out of a jam in the seventh Wednesday, leading Battle Ground to a 2-1 non-league softball victory over rival Prairie.
Boyd, who threw a perfect game in the season opener, finished with 16 strikeouts and a two-hitter in this matchup of teams that reached their state tournaments a year ago.
An error and two bunt singles loaded the bases in the seventh, but Boyd got two strikeouts before Prairie’s power hitter Bridget Guiney drew a walk to make it 2-1. Taylor Ramey just missed giving Prairie the lead when her shot down the first-base line was ruled foul.
Boyd then got her 16th strikeout of the game to secure the victory.
Earlier this week, Boyd struck out 15 in a one-hit shutout.
“We’re a year older, and I feel so confident with our whole team,” she said of her success this season. “It’s great to throw and not worry.”
The Tigers improved to 6-1 in non-league play and will open their part of the 4A Greater St. Helens League schedule Friday against Union. The Tigers have to be among the favorites, plus they expect more than just being one of the best in the region.
“We want to go to state, and we want to win state this year,” Boyd said. “We’ve been to state a couple times. Now we want to go and leave our mark there.”
Grace Stillman in the second inning and Danielle Joli in the third drove in the runs for Battle Ground for a 2-0 lead.
Boyd retired the first 18 batters she faced.
This start to the campaign has Battle Ground coach Arielle Wiser feeling good about her team’s chances long-term, too.
“Obviously, we have an awesome pitcher,” Wiser said.
The coach warned, though, that nothing comes easy in the 4A GSHL.
“We can’t overlook any team,” she said. “We’re very confident, but we have to score more runs. We’re capable of doing so much more.”
The Falcons, meanwhile, are preparing for what they hope will be a long run in May, too. Despite what the 2-4 record might otherwise suggest.
“Our preseason schedule, we stacked it up with very good teams,” Prairie coach Ari VanHorn said. “4A teams that are always state contenders. We’re playing really tough teams.”
With the way Josey Lesmiester pitched Wednesday, the Falcons should be just fine. She gave up three hits.
“Hopefully this gets us ready,” VanHorn said.
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