Speed Kills: Webster 10, Festus 6

When you don't quit and keep battling, you give yourself a chance to win. When you are opportunistic and take advantage of what the opponents hand you, you add to your chances. When you have the speed to push the agenda, forcing the other team into a pace that makes them uncomfortable, you increase your odds. When you get all three in combination, you end up with a big 10-6, come-from-behind win over a pretty good Festus team. This win marks our second comeback win in a row over that Jefferson County program.

Our pitching tandem of Josie Krueger and Allyson Peters, shepherded by our sophomore catcher, Becca DeGreeff, kept the Festus offense in check, aided by a stout defense from both the innies and the outies. Emma Hintze paced the offense with two hits, including a triple to put an exclamation mark on the seventh inning, and 3 RBI. Olivia Weik padded her team-leading total with 4 additional stolen bases, but her teammates Alina Castro, Zoe Schulz, Emma Hintze, Julia Love, Jenna Hoffman and Josie Krueger helped out and were lucky to get out of town before the local police force arrived and charged the whole gang with grand theft.

It was a well-played game in both dugouts, but the decisive 5-run seventh inning hinged on speed and more speed, constant first and thirds that turned into second and thirds and safe calls at the plate. We just blew through Festus defense in a cloud of roadrunner dust. Poor Coyote. (Okay, they're actually the Tigers, but I like the other metaphor better.)

Last year I implied some dissatisfaction with the Festus coach, but given the respect and pleasant reception we received this year, I'm wondering if I misinterpreted or misunderstood. In any case, I'll welcome seeing them on next year's schedule anticipating another good game. And speaking of good games and playing good teams, we will entertain conference foe Summit at home on Monday on a little roll with our three victories this week.