Celtics fall in State Softball Semifinals
Tigard’s two out rally in the third inning was the difference
The McNary Celtics were holding their own against top-seeded Tigard in the OSAA 6A Softball Semifinals Tuesday for the first two innings.
But a two out rally producing four runs for the Tigers in the third helped propel them to a 6-3 victory, and a spot in the Oregon 6A title game Saturday in Eugene.
The fourth ranked Celtics were tied with Tigard at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the third. But the wheels fell off shortly after McNary pitcher Lacey Vasas struck out the first two batters.
The Tigers then got consecutive singles from the top of their order—scoring one run to take the lead at 2-1. The Celts loaded the bases by walking clean-up hitter Kani Korok to get to the light hitting Hailey White. White made them pay, launching a hit deep to right center field, scoring three additional runs to make it 5-1. The Tigers never looked back.
McNary just couldn’t find a hitting rhythm against Tigard pitching ace Makenna Reid.
The Florida State-bound lefty kept the Celts off balance most of the game, striking out ten and limiting McNary base running opportunities.
Celtics second baseman Ali Martinez was the big offensive weapon for McNary—doubling and hitting a two-run home run in the top of the seventh to narrow the final margin of victory. McNary finished their season with 24 wins and six losses.
Tigard (28-3) advances to their first ever title game Saturday at Jane Sanders Stadium in Eugene. They will face Oregon City, which topped Bend 4-0 in ten innings on Tuesday.