Effingham Wins Damp Softball Battle Over Mattoon

The first of a scheduled softball doubleheader was played in a steady rain at Mattoon High School. Effingham prevailed by a score of 5-3 in eight innings. Gieah Schlanser had run-scoring singles in the first and third innings for the Hearts. Mattoon tied the score with two runs in the fourth inning. MJ Cowger had an RBI-single and another run scored on a wild pitch for the Greenwave. After Effingham grabbed a 3-2 lead in the top of the 7th inning, Mattoon responded once again. With one out and nobody on base, Alana Perez launched her third home of the season. The solo shot over the left field fence tied the score at 3. Effingham’s 8th inning began with a double by Cora Hartmann. She stole third and scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. Sydney Cunningham drew a walk and eventually scored on an RBI-groundout by Molly Maxedon. Winning pitcher Natalie Armstrong stranded two Mattoon runners on base in the bottom of the inning to preserve the victory. Effingham kept its Apollo Conference title hopes alive by moving to 6-1 in league play. Mattoon fell to 2-7. The second game was not played due to the poor weather conditions.