WLL juniors softball posts major win in final game of summer season

By Matt Pascarella

Before the playoffs started on Tuesday, July 28, Windham Little League’s juniors team secured a tremendous win against Portland Little League at Windham on Monday, July 27.

Windham sophomore Peyton McLean stretches to catch the
ball in time for an out at first base during a Windham Little
League juniors softball game against Portland at Windham
on Monday, July 27. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

The Eagles scored multiple runs in every inning but the first and the second. Freshman Izzy Gonzalez went 3-3 at the plate which included an inside-the-park homer. The second inning was the only inning where a Windham player didn’t cross the plate as Windham crushed the Bulldogs, 18-5.

"I think, more than anything it has been so important to have our younger group be able to play together and get to know each other and mesh with the kids coming over from Raymond,” said Windham Little League juniors summer softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “It’s been such a great thing for us to do this summer. This is really about playing with our town and playing with the group of girls we’re going to be with for the next four years. Summer softball is meant to keep the stress down, keep the fun high and me to get to know them and them to get to know me ... it’s been really great having that opportunity this summer.”

In the first inning, Windham scored one run when eighth grader Brooke Legere walked, stole her way around the diamond and then raced home on a wild pitch.

Windham defense kept Portland scoreless for four complete innings.

Inning four saw Gonzalez hit a triple. Then sophomore Peyton McLean singled and Gonzalez scored. After three base hits, sophomore Lydia York doubled and drove in three runs. York scored after a hit from freshman Caitlynn Halladay and Windham led 9-0 after four innings.

Portland scored four runs in the fifth inning.

Legere singled in the WLL fifth inning, as did eighth grader Natalie Brey. Then a walk and the bases are loaded. Gonzalez stepped up to the plate and drove in three runs. It was then 12-4, with Windham ahead.

“It was really fun to see all my teammates hype me up,” said Gonzalez in response to hitting the in-the-park homer. “They were all cheering me on even though I’ve only known them a couple of weeks, that was my favorite part. Summer softball is really fun; it’s helped me to get to know a lot of the people I’ll be playing with throughout the years. I’ve learned how to keep myself calm ... and not get frustrated easily. And Coach Darcey has really helped me with that. Our excitement and cheering each other on (led to the win). We need to get to know each other more, but that’ll come through playing.”

The sixth inning was another scoreless one thanks to solid Windham defense and strong pitching from Gonzalez.

Six runs were added to the scoreboard as Windham was not going to let up.

“I think we are great overall and communicating with each other and what plays we need to work out and how we did,” said Legere. “Our hitting and our communication went really well. Base coverage and knowing where to go need work. Summer softball has been helping me make contact and get through the ball. It taught me ground balls and getting down in front of it.”

One run was scored by Portland in the seventh inning.

Gardiner said the softball IQ in Windham is high and she credits the Little League and youth coaches for teaching this skill. Portland’s pitcher was throwing hard and Gardiner was happy at how successful Windham was hitting and baserunning. Gardiner said to see them take chances and know it’s ok to mess up is good. Pitching was a big thing and eighth graders Bella Wescott and Brey along with freshman Gonzalez who all did phenomenal. Trying new things and getting comfortable here are what they’re trying to build on.” <