Litchfield Uses Three-Run Fifth Inning to Defeat Greenfield/Northwestern, 5-2

A pivotal three-run surge in the fifth inning proved to be the difference on Thursday as the Litchfield softball team secured a hard-fought 5-2 non-conference victory over Greenfield/Northwestern.

Charlie Bono paced the Litchfield offense, putting together a stellar 3-for-4 performance at the plate. Bono roped two doubles and drove in a pair of runs to anchor the scoring effort. Emma Estell also delivered a strong multi-hit performance for the visitors, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI, while Kinley Hemken chipped in with a double and a run scored.

In the circle, Litchfield leaned on the effective pitching duo of Alexis Mielke and Aria Feeley to navigate a persistent Greenfield/Northwestern lineup. Mielke earned the victory, tossing four solid innings. She scattered six hits and allowed just one unearned run while striking out five. Feeley closed out the final three innings in relief, giving up four hits and one earned run while fanning four batters to shut the door.

Litchfield struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Greenfield/Northwestern responded to tie the game in the bottom of the third, setting the stage for Litchfield’s decisive rally in the fifth.

After Litchfield plated three runs in the top of the fifth to take a commanding 4-1 lead, Greenfield/Northwestern managed to claw one run back in the bottom half of the frame. However, Litchfield added a final insurance run in the seventh and held firm defensively to seal the 5-2 win.

Despite the loss, Greenfield/Northwestern collected 11 hits on the day, keeping the pressure on throughout the afternoon. However, Litchfield’s pitching staff consistently worked out of jams, stranding runners and limiting the overall damage.

Game Summary

Score by Quarters

Scoring Drives

• 1st Inning: Litchfield opens the scoring with 1 run to take an early lead.

• 3rd Inning: Greenfield/Northwestern plates 1 run to tie the game at 1-1.

• 5th Inning: Litchfield breaks the tie with a crucial 3-run inning. Greenfield/Northwestern answers with 1 run in the bottom half.

• 7th Inning: Litchfield adds 1 insurance run to finalize the 5-2 victory.

Individual Statistics

LITCHFIELD BATTING:

• Charlie Bono: 3-4, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 2B

• Emma Estell: 2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 2B

• Kinley Hemken: 1-2, 1 R, 1 2B

• Marissa Bono: 1-3

• Madi Rimar: 1-3

• Alexis Mielke: 1 RBI

• Aria Feeley: 1 R, 1 BB

• Molly Rimar: 1 R

LITCHFIELD PITCHING:

• Alexis Mielke (W): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

• Aria Feeley: 3.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K