Lehi softball edges Riverton for first place
The Lehi softball team celebrates as the team gains a lead late in the 6th inning during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
Lehi pitcher Stefani Zimmerman (1) throws the ball during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
Lehi infielder Rylin Roberts (15) fields a ground ball during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
Lehi pitcher Stefani Zimmerman (1) celebrates the team's late lead during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
Riverton infielder Miranda page (17) tags Lehi runner Emme Cluff (10) during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
Lehi pitcher Stefani Zimmerman (1) throws the ball during a Lehi home softball game against Riverton High School on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in Lehi. DOMINIC VALENTE, Daily Herald
LEHI – The Lehi softball team took over the lead with three runs in the bottom of the sixth and held on to defeat Riverton 3-2 Thursday afternoon at home.
The win moves the Pioneers into sole possession of first place in Region 4 with three games left in the regular season, but just two in league play.
The contest could not have been any closer. The teams had the same number of hits and errors and both pitchers, Jordan Lockhart for the Silverwolves and Stefani Zimmerman for Lehi, were tough from start to finish.
After four scoreless innings, Riverton finally had a breakthrough in the top of the fifth. Catcher Kaitlyn Adler led off with a double to center field and later scored on a dropped ball in the outfield with two outs.
With a runner on third, Pioneer third baseman Rylin Roberts laid out to snag a line drive, saving a run and ending the turn.
Lehi answered in the bottom of the sixth, with the top of the order up to bat. Shortstop Sydney White singled to left to start things off.
Center fielder Bailey Tahbo attempted to bunt her forward, but the ball was overthrown at first on the play. White raced around the bags and went in to score.
Riverton had a play at home but missed it with another errant throw, and Tahbo came charging down the line to cross the plate as well to finish off the bizarre sequence.
After that, Roberts sent a base hit into center and was bunted to second by Zimmerman. She went to third on a center-field single from catcher Brogan Kirby and later scored on a fielder’s choice to give the Pioneers a 3-1 advantage.
The game wasn’t over yet, however. In the top of the seventh, the Silverwolves managed to load the bases with one out and squeezed a run across with a sacrifice fly to center, but Zimmerman got an easy groundout to end the game and secure the critical victory.
“I was a little nervous to pitch today, but I knew my team had my back,” Zimmerman said. “Coming into the final inning, I was just going to throw outs and let them make the plays.”
She attributed Lehi’s late hitting success to patience.
“We learned to lay off her outside and high stuff,” the player said.
Pioneer coach Tim Kennedy acknowledged that sending White home was a risky move.
“I had her halfway down the line, but she’s a smart player and it’s her call from there,” the coach said. “She has the green light when she wants to take it.
“That was a pivotal point in the game,” he added. “Sometimes you have to take a chance in a game like this one. I’d feel the same way even if the ball hadn’t got past the catcher.”
The Pioneers (21-6, 9-1) next host Herriman (14-11, 9-2), while the Silverwolves (13-2, 8-2) are scheduled to welcome Westlake (2-16, 1-8). Both games are set for Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
“The three best 5A teams in the state are in our region,” Kennedy said. “Herriman is every bit as good as the team we just played, but we have them at our place. We’re undefeated at home this season and we aim to keep the win streak going.”
Riverton;000;010;1;–;2 5 2
Lehi;000;003;x;–;3 5 2
Lockhart and Adler. Zimmerman and Kirby. WP- Zimmerman, LP-Lockhart. 2B-Lockhart (R), Adler (R).