The Storm Lake softball team strung together five straight two out hits in a five run 5th inning that propelled them to a 5-2 win over Perry Thursday night in the opening round of the class 4A regional tournament.
In front of a lot of green and white at the Storm Lake/BVU softball field the Tornadoes used great defense, solid pitching, and timely hitting to pick up their 22nd win of the season.
With the game scoreless in the bottom of the 5th Storm Lake was able to get runners at 1st and 2nd base with two outs. Taylor Ripke, who struck out in her first two at bats, drilled a one-strike pitch over the right fielders head for a two-run double to get the Tornadoes on the board. Next up was Hailey Anderson who just missed a homer as she cranked an RBI double to right field to put the Tornadoes up 3-0. Kennadie Miller then drove in Anderson with her second hit of the game to make it 4-0. Miller would later score on a wild pitch and that was more than enough for Tornado pitcher Avery DeHaan who picked up her 12th win of the year in the circle. DeHaan gave up two runs on eight hits stiking out four and walking two.
Tornadoes totaled nine hits in the game with Miller and Josie Hernandez getting two a piece.
Storm Lake’s defense was special as they threw out two runners at the plate and turned two inning ending double plays.
Perry concludes their year with a record of 9-14. Storm Lake, now 22-4, will play at 9th ranked ADM (22-12) Saturday at 7pm. The game will be broadcast on Mix 101.7FM KAYL.
Click below to hear from Storm Lake players Taylor Ripke, Abby Bodholdt, and coach Jenna Lullmann.
