Old Bats of Michigan Made’s Romi Mattson earned a win from the circle Monday in a game against Superior Service at the Boneyard in Lake Linden. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)
Fastpitch Softball Roundup: Gold Standard’s Stellar Performance Highlights Evening
In a thrilling night of Copper Country Women’s Fastpitch softball at the Boneyard in Lake Linden, the spotlight shone on Payton Goldsworthy of Gold Standard. Her remarkable achievement of hitting three home runs led her team to a narrow 7-6 victory over Finnish Coat, moving their season record to 3-0.
Goldsworthy’s Dominance at the Plate
Goldsworthy’s offensive display opened with a two-run home run in the first inning. She continued her exceptional performance with a solo shot in the third and capped her night with a game-winning home run in the bottom of the seventh, after Gold Standard trailed for portions of the game.
Despite leading 4-0 after three innings, Gold Standard faced a resurgence from Finnish Coat, who tied the game in the fourth with four runs. They then took a lead in the fifth, pushing the score to 6-4 before Gold Standard’s final inning heroics.
“It was the ‘Shot heard round the Boneyard,'” said Gold Standard coach Curtis Kinnunen, crediting Goldsworthy’s remarkable performance with three home runs and a double. He emphasized the team’s strong overall hitting and defense that led to the comeback victory.
Old Bats Claim Their First Win
Earlier in the evening, the Old Bats of Michigan Made secured their first win of the season by defeating Superior Service 6-3. Their victory was punctuated by a remarkable six-run sixth inning that transformed the game’s momentum.
Superior Service initially took the lead, with standout Millie Loukus hitting a home run in the first inning. Along with Kaydence Pizzi’s double, they managed a 3-0 advantage. However, Old Bats player-coach Danielle Thoune praised her team’s resilience, noting they executed a solid sixth inning with crucial hits from Romi Mattson, Alana Nolan, and Aubrey Zackel.
After the sixth, Old Bats held a 6-3 lead, and pitcher Romi Mattson earned a complete-game victory, striking out 12 batters. “The game ball goes to our pitcher, Romi Mattson. She threw a gem,” Thoune remarked.
Northern Wishes Prevail in Chassell
Over in Chassell, Northern Wishes faced JB’s Sales and Service, emerging victorious with a 5-3 scoreline. Winning pitcher Rosalie Kangas shone brightly, striking out 13 batters, with Larissa Peterson contributing in relief.
For Northern Wishes, Morgan Erkkila’s home run and Sylvia Aho’s two singles highlighted their offensive efforts. In contrast, JB’s Sales and Service saw Lexi Burns managing a double.
Looking Ahead
With each team showcasing their talent and competitiveness, the Copper Country Women’s Fastpitch league continues to promise excitement as the season unfolds.
Finnish Coat’s Clea Ollanketo connects for a base hit Monday in a game against Gold Standard at the Boneyard in Lake Linden. (Eddie O’Neill/For the Gazette)
