Five-run fourth lifts Bulldogs past Joplin

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Globe/Roger Nomer Carl Junction's Bryce Boyd touches the bag safely under Joplin's Ashlie Green's pickoff attempt during Tuesday's game at the Joplin Athletic Complex.

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August 28, 2012

Five-run fourth lifts Bulldogs past Joplin

By Richard Polen Globe Sports Writer The Joplin Globe Tue Aug 28, 2012, 11:54 PM CDT

Carl Junction’s five-run fourth inning sank Joplin 5-2 in a nonconference softball game Tuesday on Gene Bassman Field at the Joplin Athletic Complex.

The Bulldogs’ big inning was aided by a walk and three Joplin errors. Three of the runs were unearned.

“A win is always a good feeling,” said Carl Junction head coach Tandy Dickens. “That’s the way this game works. Once you give up an error, there’s a domino effect.”

Shelly Sullivan of Carl Junction began the rally when she reached on an error with one out. She advanced to second on Katelyn Bebee’s bunt single, and a walk to Sydney Koch loaded the bases.

Bryce Boyd’s single drove in Sullivan with the first run, then Tasha Steele’s two-run single scored Bebee and Koch. The next two runs scored on two errors.

“We have to improve every day,” said Joplin head coach Shally Lundien. “We have to make the simple plays. That’s what is hurting us right now.”

Joplin’s two-run fifth inning began with two outs. Miranda Sanders, who was 3-for-4, singled and scored on a double by Kenzie Goswick. Tamarah Mascher then singled in courtesy runner Shantell Beck.

Joplin threatened to score in the first inning when back-to-back singles by Kelsey Gould and Sanders, and an infield error, loaded the bases with none out.

Carl Junction got out of the inning on a force play at home plate and a double play, then the Bulldogs left the bases loaded in the third inning.

Goswick was 2-for-4 for the Eagles, while Sydni Beck was 2-for-4 for Carl Junction.

Kock pitched a complete game for the Bulldogs. She allowed 10 hits, walked one and struck out four.

“When you’re giving up more than the three outs you’re supposed to give up, it’s a strain on the whole team,” Lundien said. “We have to make the plays.”