Larned softball splits wild twin bill

HESSTON – In the wildest softball game you’ve ever hear of, Larned pitcher Madison Wood yielded 11 first-inning runs, but miraculously earned a save in a 23-21 Central Kansas League victory over Hesston. The Swathers won the second game 15-8.

LARNED 23, HESSTON 21 (G1) – The marathon opener featured 63 baserunners, 27 walks, six hit-batters and eight errors. Wood was the center of attention when she permitted 12 baserunners in Hesston’s 11-run first inning.

Of course, Larned rallied because that’s what Indians do. Larned scored five runs in the second inning and led 20-11 after 41/2 innings because of an 11-run fifth inning.

Of course, Hesston rallied because that’s what Swathers do. A 3-run fifth inning was followed by a 6-run sixth for a 23-20 Larned lead after six innings. Wood preserved the lead by retiring two Hesston batters. She finished off the save by recording three more outs in the seventh inning.

Larned’s Kiana Meyer and Emma Thompson each delivered four RBIs and scored four runs. Madison Reinert, Camyn Ettleman and Teagen Walker each drove home two runs. Clara Shaver, Sophia Skelton and Autumn Pate each drove in a run.

Hesston’s Cassie Albin drilled two homers, drove home four runs and scored four times. Kori Kramer scored three runs and drove home four runs with four hits.

Hesston pitchers Sophia Walters and Brynn Johnston issued 20 walks and hit three batters.

HESSTON 15, LARNED 8 (G2) – Hesston erased a 7-3 deficit with 10 runs in the final two innings for a 15-8 victory. Larned pitcher Madison Wood walked seven batters and the Indians committed eight errors that contributed to 10 unearned runs.

Contributing runs batted home for Larned were Walker, Kenzie Reinert, Meyer, Thompson, Shaver and Pate. Thompson delivered two hits.

Hesston’s Albin and Walters drove drove home three runs. Faith Elliott drove in a pair of runs.

Larned (1-3 CKL) plays defending CKL champion Haven (2-0) at home Friday. Hesston (1-2 CKL) travels to Hoisington (4-0 CKL).

Larned 252 0(11)3 0 – 23 11 3

Hesston (11)00 036 1 – 21 13 5

Wood, Madison Reinert (1), Wood (6) and Meyer, Kenzie Reinert. Walters, Johnston (2) and Large. W—Madison Reinert. L—Johnston. 2B—L—Meyer, Shaver, Thompson, Walker; H—Johnston, Kramer. HR—H—Albin 2.

Larned 223 01 – 8 7 8

Hesston 302 46 – 15 8 3

Wood and K. Reinert, Meyer. Eilert and Johnston. L—Wood. 2B—L—K. Reinert.