Dodgers Softball Takes Lead Early, But Falls to Mtn. Lakes

The Madison High School softball team got off to an early lead against Mountain Lakes on Wednesday afternoon, but then slipped, giving up runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, and losing to the Lakers, 9-2.

Neither team scored in the first two innings, but then the Dodgers came alive first in the top of the third. It started with a single from sophomore right fielder Rosalyn Blake, who advanced from first to third on an error.

"I just heard 'go' and I was like, 'ok…go,' " said Blake. "Coach Martinez said 'come here,' so I ran as hard as I could." 

Not only did Blake score the first run of the day, but she also had one of the best plays of the game from right field, when she grabbed a grounder and threw a girl out at second base. Then, in the seventh inning, with Madison's back to the wall she fought hard for a walk, even hitting one ball deep but foul–her hardest hit ball of the season thus far, a hit that might have been deep enough for a home run if it was fair, and if the field had a fence.

"That was definitely the hardest I hit this year," Blake said. "I was pumped, I thought it was going to be the hit of the season for me, but it went foul. I think every play I make is giving me more confidence."

The Lakers' fourth and fifth hitters started connecting with the ball in the fourth inning, both earning three RBIs a piece. Erika Cowan was especially dangerous, hitting two triples, one in the fourth inning and one in the sixth after starting the game off in the first with a ground out.

"Before the [the first triple], I thought I'm going to put the first at-bat behind me," said Cowan. "I got up the second time, and thought I'm gonna slam this, and I did."

With the loss, the Dodgers drop to 5-8, making it impossible for them to reach .500 by May 1 and to earn a guaranteed spot in the state playoffs.

"If we can win the next two, there is an outside chance we get in," said Madison head coach Hector Martinez.

The Dodgers go to Parsipanny on Friday to face the Red Hawks, who beat Madison earlier this season, 12-5. They follow that game up with a home game against West Morris Central High School.