Softball: Chemics dominate in doubleheader

by Michael O'Brien

The Midland High varsity softball team now stands at 10-2 in Saginaw Valley League play after defeating the Flint Southwestern Academy Knights 15-0 Thursday in both games of a mercy-shortened doubleheader.

Starting pitcher Amber Gerstacker threw a three-inning perfect game in the first contest of the afternoon, striking out five of nine batters she faced. Coming off a no-hitter Wednesday, Gerstacker has thrown eight innings of no-hit softball in the last two days, adding 12 strikeouts and only one walk to her growing resume.

Meanwhile, the Chemics’ offense was almost as impressive as its pitching, as the team pounded out 15 runs on seven hits, six walks, and a hit batsman. Katie Showalter sparked the offense in the leadoff spot, reaching base in all three at-bats and stealing three bases. Emily Bentley was 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs from the cleanup spot.

In game two, Jamie Shafley did her best to match Gerstacker’s performance, as a first-inning error was all that stood between her and a perfect game. Shafley struck out two batters in each of the three innings to improve to 7-0 on the season.

Much was the same offensively for the Chemics, as the team combined for seven hits and seven walks in plating 15 more runs. Bentley led the attack for the second straight game, going 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs. Emily Hoffman scored three runs to go along with a single and two stolen bases.

Despite playing an overmatched Knights team , head coach Jason Gehoski felt the game had more value than two more wins in the record book.

“I was really proud of the girls tonight,” Gehoski said. “They stayed focused throughout the whole game.

Gehoski also noted that learning could still take place in a lopsided game.

“It’s a lot more mental than physical,” Gehoski said. “We work more on our fundamentals.”

With the victories, Midland High is 13-4 overall and returns to action this Saturday in the Chemical City Classic in St. Charles.