Omaha Mercy (6-1) came up short against Papillion South (6-3) on Monday night 10-9 in eight innings. The Monarchs trailed 5-0 after four innings before scoring one run in the 5th and five more runs in the 7th to force extra innings.
In the top of the 8th, with the international tiebreaker in effect, Emma Gallagher started on second base for the Monarchs. A line drive to centerfield, a strikeout, and a flyout left Gallagher stranded.
The Titans started the bottom of the 8th with Emersyn Exner on second base. Exner stole third during the first at-bat before Mackenzie Groninga struck out Addison Quesenberry. With a runner on third and one out, Grace Maguire bunted down the third base line to score Exner and win the game for Papillion-South.
Mariah Unverzagt got the win in the circle for the Titans. She went 3.1 innings giving up six runs and striking out three. Papillon South was led at the plate by Clare Ullery who was 3-for-4 with three doubles, three RBI, and two runs score.
Groninga took the loss for the Monarchs pitching 7.1 innings while striking out 10 batters. She also had a double and RBI. Victoria Placzek was 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in three runs.
Papillon South will host Marian on Tuesday. The Monarchs play at Bennington on Tuesday night.
Monarchs Win Blair Invite With Strong Pitching and Defense
The Omaha Mercy Monarchs started the Blair Invite undefeated. A perfect 4-0 on the young season. The early season tournament in Blair would be a good test for Mercy. The Monarchs opened against undefeated, and third-ranked Fremont.
“I knew that they were undefeated when we were going in and their pitcher, Ella Cooper, was really good,” said Mackenzie Groninga the starting pitcher for the Monarchs.
It turned out to be a pitcher’s duel with some good defense as well. The Monarchs won 1-0 after Victoria Placzek reached on an error scoring Reese Kennan who had singled earlier in the inning.
Groninga did her part in the circle. The junior pitched 6 innings allowing just four Tiger hits while striking out 14.
“I focused on attacking each batter one at a time and focusing on that batter, no matter what happened,” said Groninga.
After a 5-1 win over Cozad the Monarchs were set to face off against Bellevue West. Another top-10 ranked class A team. Again, Groninga was in the circle for the Monarchs. Her second appearance of the day.
“I was feeling pretty good after pitching six innings earlier. Behind me was a really great defense. Pruss made a great catch at short and Tegan made a great play at third. Our outfield was great all day” said Groninga.
The Monarchs beat the Thunderbirds 3-2 to win the championship. Placzek went 1-for-3 at the plate with a 2-run homerun and three RBI.
Groninga went 6 innings allowing two runs on five hits and striking out eight to get the win in the circle.
