By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
BERRIEN SPRINGS – Brandywine softball coach Jim Myers called a time out during the bottom of the seventh inning in Tuesday's first of two games against host Berrien Springs.
Pitcher Kendra Zache was having a hard time getting strikes across the plate and, even though the Bobcats held a 6-1 advantage, the Shamrocks were advancing runners on base and in scoring position.
After a quick chat, frustrated faces turned to smiles and the Lady 'Cats returned to their positions.
With one out and runners on second and first, Zache made a play at first on a Berrien Springs bunt. Despite the out, the Shamrock runners advanced to second and third.
They were left on base though, as the next Berrien Springs batter struck out, and Zache was all smiles as the first game ended in favor of Brandywine, 6-1.
The Bobcats also claimed the win in the nightcap, pulling away a 4-1 victory. Brandywine is now 12-5 overall, 7-1 in the conference.
Angela Newman and Brooke Coshow provided the only top hits in game one, as both gave Brandywine a double. Stephanie Emhoff had a double and a single for the Shamrocks.
Zache threw 10 strikeouts and allowed five walks and three hits for the win.
Lyndsey Shembarger suffered the loss.
In the nightcap, Zache improved her record to 12-4 overall at the mound as she threw six strikeouts and allowed two walks and three hits.
Kelsey Shembarger was the losing pitcher.
Game one
At Berrien Springs
Brandywine 001 004 1 – 6 7 1
Berrien Springs 000 100 0 – 1 3 3
WP – Kendra Zache (11-4) and Lauren Kachur
LP – Lyndsey Shembarger (5-3) and Samantha Carbajal
2B: Brooke Coshow (BR), Angela Newman (BR), Stephanie Emhoff (BS)
Game two
Brandywine 000 112 0 – 4 4 1
Berrien Springs 010 000 0 – 1 4 2
WP – Kendra Zache (12-4) and Lauren Kachur
LP – Kelsey Shembarger (8-3), Lyndsey Shembarger (5) and Samantha Carbajal.
Records: Brandywine 12-5 overall (7-1 Lakeland Conference), Berrien Springs 14-6 overall (5-3 Lakeland Conference).