The Freeport Pretzels defeated the Oregon Hawks this past Saturday at their home field. The Pretzels secured the win after sophomore pitcher Mackenzee Matz hit a walk-off double to bring the game to a score of 4-3.
Oregon was the first to get on the board in the third inning, making the score 0-1, but that didn’t stop the Lady Pretzels.
The girls came back in the bottom of the sixth inning after Hannah Stott walked, Kamryn Bradbury walked, and Sophie Preston hit a sacrifice fly, each scoring one run. The score was then 3-1.
“I went into the game feeling down on myself about the previous game,” said Stott. “But throughout the game, my teammates and coaches lifted me up, which turned my game around and made it a very good game.”
During the top of the seventh inning, Oregon tied the game 3-3 with multiple single base hits.
The Pretzels entered the bottom of the seventh inning with high energy and confidence that they could come back and win this game. And they did just that.
They started the inning with two fielded outs, but got back in the game after Quinn Krzeminski hit a single, getting a pretzel on the bases. Next up was Matz.
She started the at bat with 3 balls, but managed to hit a double to get Krzeminski home for the winning run.
“I felt relieved and happy at the same time because I really didn’t want to go into extra innings,” said Matz.
Matz was awarded the MVP chain after the game for her outstanding performance at the plate and her pitching in the circle.
“The game was really fun, and I love playing with this team,” said Matz. “My defense was there for me, and I pulled through with our batting, so it was a win-win.”
The next game is away against the Belvidere Bucs on Monday, April 27.
