Three hits, seven runs and three bags of Quick Dry.
It all added up to a Lisbon softball victory in a Class 2A regional quarterfinal Wednesday, July 10, at Bunting Field.
Denver had already arrived at City Park. Both teams were blasting music. And the rain would not stop.
“I told our AD, we’re going to play this game, no matter what it takes,” Lisbon coach Abby Shultz said.
They did play it (even if it started about 45 minutes late) and won it, 7-0, to begin their postseason run.
That run continued with a 12-1 win over No. 15 Jesup on Friday, July 12, at Bunting Field.
A regional final against Osage (23-9) – which upset No. 14 Wapsie Valley 4-3 on Friday, July 12 — was scheduled for Monday, July 15, weather permitting.
“We talked about that this is one of six,” Shultz said after the Denver win. “We have a state championship mindset.”
The Lion offense wasn’t overpowering against Denver, managing only three hits. But Lisbon made the most of its opportunities.
In the second inning, the Lions reached via error and three walks. Two runs scored by passed balls before leadoff hitter Addie Clark plated two on a single.
Then in the fifth inning, two errors and a single by Kamryn Kahl loaded the bases. Sarah Dietsch had a two-run single. Alexa Roos had an RBI ground out.
“Their pitcher was effectively wild and we were chasing everything,” Shultz said.
Fortunately, eighth-grade pitcher Kyla Kahl and the Lion defense didn’t need much help.
Lisbon held Denver to two hits and four baserunners overall. Kyla Kahl struck out five and walked just one.
“I had a lot of adrenaline going and felt good,” Kyla Kahl said. “Once I got in my rhythm, I stayed on it.”
Right fielder Lillian Gaiser, center fielder Kaitlynn Hasselbusch and catcher Emma Dietsch each made impressive defensive plays over the final four innings.
“We left it all on the field,” Kyla Kahl said. “We played like it was our last game.”
Next up was No. 15 Jesup, a 12-1 victory in six innings.
Kyla Kahl scattered five hits and three walks while striking out two over six innings.
Offensively, Lisbon had 13 hits. Roos had a single and a home run with three RBIs. Clark had two hits and three RBIs. Addi Petersen had two singles and a double and two RBIs. Dietsch had a double and a single.
“This is the new part of our season,” Shultz said.
Fort Doge is only one win away. The Lions are aiming for their seventh straight trip.
The Lions closed the regular season with a 9-6 loss at No. 9 (1A) North Linn on Monday, July 11, in a game added to the slate to give both teams a little work before the playoffs.
Lisbon led 6-3 after five innings, but gave up six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Denver 000 000 0 – 0 2 4
Lisbon 040 030 x – 7 3 1
Jenna Collins and Malea Gannerman; Kyla Kahl and Emma Dietsch. W – Kahl. L – Collins.