Pioneers 3... Dawson 5

Errors and cold bats were the downfall of the MCC Pioneer softball team on Friday afternoon as the Pioneers dropped a 5-3 decision to Dawson CC in the undefeated semifinal of the Region XIII Playoffs. 

The Pioneers managed only 4 base hits and committed 4 errors in the field as Dawson moved to the championship game

Arin Eaton (CF - Belgrade, MT) got the Pioneers off to a good start by hitting a solo home run in the top of the 1st inning. Dawson CC then answered with an unearned run in the 1st and 2nd inning as well as 2 more unearned runs in the bottom of the 3rd. 

MCC cut the lead to 4-2 in the top of the 5th as Khloey Robinson (LF - Belgrade, MT) walked, advanced to 2nd on a ground out, and scored on a Dawson defensive error. 

Dawson added a run in the bottom of the 6th and the Pioneers scored on a RBI double from Adrie Mortensen (C - Rexburg, ID) and had the tying run on base with one out but a diving catch in leftfield by Dawson turned in to a double play to end the game. 

Rylie Schlepp (Helena, MT) got the start in the circle and pitched 5 innings (4 R, 5 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, SO) and Arin Eaton pitched the 6th inning (R, 3 H).

Inside the Box Score

• The Pioneers had 4 hits (HR, 2B) and the Bucs had 8 hits (2B).
• Each team committed 4 errors.
• Pioneer batters struck out  7 times and walked once. 
• Bucs batters struck out once, walked 3 times, and were hit by pitch once. 
• Dawson had 2 stolen bases and Miles had one. 

The Pioneers face Williston State at 10:00 AM with the winner to play Dawson at 12:00. Dawson would have to lose twice for Miles or Williston to take the title.