WATERTOWN, S.D. — Despite a productive night at the plate, defensive miscues proved costly for the Watertown softball team in a 20-7 loss to Harrisburg on Thursday.
The Arrows (1-3) finished with 10 hits, but 12 errors allowed the Tigers to break the game open early.
“We had a really great night offensively,” Watertown coach Kelli Brinka said. “We were able to string hits together, and it was great to see the girls step up and hit with confidence at the plate.”
Lauryn Hirsch led the Watertown offense with three hits and two RBIs. Alexa Brown and Logan Schell each added two hits in the effort.
However, the Arrows struggled to contain Harrisburg’s lineup. Kennedy Kokenge drove in eight runs on three hits for the Tigers, while Maleia Knutson added three hits and four RBIs.
Hirsch started in the circle for Watertown, allowing 15 runs on 12 hits with five strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings. Brown pitched 1 1/3 innings in relief. Harrisburg’s Reese Moody earned the complete-game win, striking out 10 and allowing 10 hits over five innings.
Defensive lapses proved costly for Watertown, repeatedly extending innings for Harrisburg.
“We struggled to finish innings and get that third out,” Brinka said. “That’s something we need to keep working through — finding ways to stay composed in those moments and having someone step up to make the play that gets us out of a tough situation.”
Watertown looks to bounce back Tuesday when the team travels to Brookings.
WTNSports.com 