- November 23, 2024
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Starting pitcher Madison Bodin throws a pitch against Deltona. Photo by Ray Boone
The Pirates celebrate after retiring a side. Photo by Ray Boone
Shortstop Ellie Hansen throws to first against the Wolves. Photo by Ray Boone
Nikolena Perrine gets in her stance against Deltona. Photo by Ray Boone
Backup hurler Lovie Haley winds up for a pitch against the Wolves. Photo by Ray Boone
Second baseman Isabella Santiago throws to first. Photo by Ray Boone
Through two innings, the Pirates went toe-to-toe with the Deltona Wolves, a team in the midst of an 11-game win streak and a 21-2 overall record.
Then came the third inning.
After surrendering consecutive base hits, ace Madison Bodin’s next pitch found the center of a Deltona player’s bat. The ball sailed well over the center field fence for the three-run homer — the first scores of the game. Then, after three-straight singles, Bodin gave up a 2 RBI double and, eventually, a 2 RBI triple.
When she was replaced by backup hurler Lovie Haley, the Wolves led 7-0 — and the third inning still wasn’t over.
Haley gave up four runs in her 2.2 innings of work, and the Wolves run-ruled Matanzas 11-0 on the night of Friday, April 27, in the 7A-District 5 Final at Deltona High School.
Pirates coach Rebecca Bower said Bodin’s rough third inning was partly due to Matanzas’ previous game. The Pirates went 14 innings in a win over New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday, April 25. Bodin, who was previously out two weeks with a back injury, pitched all 14 frames.
“I’m not making excuses, but I really think she was tired,” Bower said. “But, they also just have really good bats. We can’t take away anything from them. They have a strong lineup from top to bottom.”
Matanzas did see some positives, however. In their previous losses to the Wolves, the Pirates secured one hit in each game. They got on base in every inning Friday night, including a double by senior shortstop Ellie Hansen in the first inning.
And even with the loss, the Pirates aren’t eliminated from the postseason. With the second-place finish in the district, they advance to the regional tournament.
“We can’t dwell on this,” Bower said. “No matter what ends up happening in the playoffs, I’m proud of these girls. They have worked very hard… . If we can play like we didn’t against New Smyrna Beach, we’re going to be fine in regionals.”
