It took five extra innings and about two extra hours to crown a champion in the Havre 'A' League girls fastpitch softball tournament. But none-the-less, Downtowner can now call itself city champions for the 2008 season as it beat Seaberg Construction 9-7 in a wild 12-inning championship game on Tuesday night at the Sixth Avenue Memorial Softball Field in Havre. The game was tied at 2-2 going into extra innings, where softball's "International Rule" was in effect. The extra-inning rule means that each team starts its half of the inning with a runner already on second base. And during the extra five innings of play, Downtowner, the visiting team, went ahead and carried leads into Seaberg's final at-bats. But Seaberg battled back several times, including a dramatic two-run home run by Sam Mack which tied the game up again. The homer was Mack's second of the tournament. However, Downtowner rallied again in its half of the 12th inning taking a 9-6 lead, and in the bottom of the 12th, pitcher Karly Evans was able to finally shut down Seaberg for good. Both Evans and Seaberg Construction pitcher BreAnn Schultz went the distance on the mound, each pitching the full 12 innings, and both were outstanding throughout the game. There were offensive stars from both teams as well throughout the game and throughout the tournament. The championship team, coached by Paul McLeod and Don Evans was composed of Karly Evans, Courtney Bricker, Tabby Myers, LeAnn Robinson, Alex Harrig, Jaclyn Evans, Ashlee Keeling, Davee, Savanna Rudio, Mariah Zubatch, Kelsey Granberg and Clarissa Martin. Other results from the two-day tourney saw Seaberg beat J.M. Donovan in game one, Downtowner beat North West Energy in game two, J. M. Donovan eliminate North West Energy in game three, Downtowner beat Seaberg Construction in game four and Seaberg eliminate J.M. Donovan in game five.
 Printer Friendly |  Email this story |