Dayton softball falls to Fallon

FALLON - Undaunted by an early 3-0 Dayton lead, Fallon erupted for nine runs in the sixth inning to topple the visiting Dust Devils, 13-3, in a non league softball game at the Ed Arciniega Athletic Complex.

Fallon improves to 15-13 overall with a regular season double-header at Elko this Saturday.

Greenwave coach Tammy Peel said Dayton was a formidable opponent until the Dust Devils' six errors affected the game's outcome.

"They didn't play bad at all. They can hit the ball," Peel said of Dayton's nine hits.

Fallon finally grabbed the lead from Dayton in the fifth inning.

Trailing 3-2 going into the bottom of the fifth, Kristin Drinnon beat out a bunt, and Anne Mackedon slapped an infield hit.

Shortstop Michelle Beach tied the game with an RBI single and later scored on an error to give the 'Wave a 4-3 lead.

Dayton was retired quietly in the sixth as relief pitcher Amber Smith set down the side.

Fallon loaded the bases before Drinnon laced a two-run double to right field, and Mackedon drove in a run with an infield single. After Liz Lewis and Beach each knocked in a run, catcher Korey Ellis popped her 11th home run of the season, a two-run shot barely over the centerfield fence.

Lindie Jo Gardner's RBI ended the game on the 10-run mercy rule.

Peel said she told her players to give 100 percent because it was Senior Day.

"If they do that, they'll play their own game," she said.

Fallon, which started slowly, had 13 hits against two Dayton pitchers.

Losing pitcher Nicole Greer's ground out in the first inning gave Dayton a 1-0 lead. The visitors added to its lead with a two-run double from Kaitlen McKinnon.

Ellis scored Fallon's first run in the bottom of the second inning when she stole home. Two Dayton errors led to Fallon's second run in the third inning.

Smith relieved starting pitcher Dani Harvey in the fourth inning and earned the win.

Smith, Ellis and Mackedon played their finale with mixed feelings.

"Amber, Korey and I have played for 12 years together. The three of us take pride in what we do," Mackedon said.