Errors help Plano top Keller in Game 1

By Mark Goodson

mgoodson@star-telegram.com

DENTON -- Keller softball coach Lindsay Strong expected the team that blinked first might lose in Game 1 of the best-of-three Class 5A Region I final series

Plano took advantage of three errors by Keller for a 5-4 come-from-behind victory in the series opener Thursday at Pioneer Field on the campus of Texas Woman's University.

A dropped fly ball opened the door to a big rally by Plano in the fourth inning. The Wildcats scored five runs on five hits and two errors to rally from a 3-0 deficit and take the lead.

All of the runs were unearned and scored with two outs.

"It happened, can't do anything about it," Strong said. "We told the girls that the first team to make a mistake would probably lose. We hung in there and battled back."

Plano outfielders Kristen Miles and Chelsea Sarter provided big hits in the inning to drive in runs.

Wildcats third baseman Erin Lowell also hit a ground ball to force another error and scored two runs.

Keller outhit Plano 11-8, but the three errors let the Wildcats back in the game.

Keller (31-7-1) had back-to-back doubles from pitcher Katie Ramsey and designated hitter Balee Kaderka to score two runs in the third inning and provide a 3-0 lead.

The Indians scored the game's first run in the first inning when leadoff hitter Autumn Suydam and Tori Charters showed their speed and legged out a pair of infield singles.

Keller used two pitchers, with Kaderka, a junior, coming in relief to strike out five and allow just three hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Starter Ramsey pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed five strikeouts and one walk.

Plano ace Katherine Batey improved her record to 37-4. Batey walked two batters and scattered 11 hits.

Game 2 is set for 7:30 tonight at TWU. If Keller wins, Game 3 will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at TWU.

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