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Peabody’s Abby Bettencourt struck out seven batters in a complete game win on Thursday.
By ANNE MARIE TOBIN
The Peabody Little League softball all-stars came from behind Thursday to stay alive in the District 16 tournament with a 4-2 win over East Lynn/West Lynn/Pine Hill.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the fifth, they rallied to score four runs after the game was delayed 20 minutes to resolve a rules protest raised by East Lynn manager Chris Warren. Pinch hitter Kayla Alperen got things going when she beat out a bunt. Ellie Hebert, running for Alperen, stole second and third. That’s when things got interesting.
Peabody starter Abby Bettencourt walked, then made the turn at first, stopped and returned to first when the ball was returned to the pitcher in the circle. Warren protested, claiming that she was out when she returned to first.
After a telephone call to the district director confirmed that the ruling of the field umpire was correct (that Bettencourt was safe), shortstop Emma Bloom singled to right, scoring both Hebert and Bettencourt with the game-tying and winning runs, with Bloom taking second on the throw. Two batters later, Sarah Broughton ripped a single to right, scoring Bloom. Broughton stole second, then scored when scored on an errant throw as she was attempting to steal third.
Abby Bettencourt earned the win. She went the distance, giving up only two hits and one earned run with seven strikeouts and no walks.
Peabody plays Saugus tonight at the Kiley School in another elimination game at 5:45. The loss eliminates East Lynn.
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Saugus 17, Salem 4
Saugus got the decisive victory in four innings with help from pitcher Leah Ventre, who came in relief of Cat Schena after the first inning. Ventre faced nine batters, all of which she struck out.
Madison Niles went 2-for-3 with two doubles and three RBI, while Lanna Queiroz went 2-for-2 with three RBI.
Gaby Surette went 2-for-3 with two RBI.
