LINDSTROM -- The Bemidji High School softball team couldn’t get much going in its season opener on Friday.
Chisago Lakes pitcher Trinity Junker spun a shutout on BHS, striking out 18 Lumberjack batters and delivering a 4-0 Wildcats win in Lindstrom.
“She was a rise ball pitcher. We just could not figure that out,” Bemidji head coach Brad Takkunen said. “We don’t have access to a rise ball pitcher very often. … She was good. We just kept swinging through pitches that were above the bat a lot.”
Katie Alto recorded the lone BHS hit on the day with a pinch-hit single up the middle in the sixth. Maggie Marcotte, Evette Morgan and Maddie Hanson all drew a walk apiece, as well, but no Bemidji baserunner reached scoring position in the loss.
Offensively, Chisago Lakes (1-0) went up early with a pair of first-inning runs. The Wildcats tacked on some insurance with a run in each of the fourth and the sixth, creating more than enough separation to back up Junker.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Defense played well, and Gabbi (Takkunen) pitched well,” coach Takkunen said. “Two-thirds of her pitches were strikes. They got a couple timely hits, but for the most part, that was very positive.”
The loss sticks BHS with a 0-1 record out of the gates, but the Jacks will try to correct course when they host Cloquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Chet Anderson Stadium.
Fergus Falls was scheduled to come to town Monday, April 8, but the game has been postponed. An official makeup date hasn’t yet been announced.
Chisago Lakes 4, Bemidji 0
BHS 000 000 0 -- 0-1-0
CLHS 200 101 X -- 4-6-0
WP: Junker (1-0)
LP: Takkunen (0-1)
