OREM — Just five days after enduring an embarrassing 15-run loss, the Timpanogos Timberwolves got things rolling in the right direction again Tuesday afternoon.
After bowing out in just three innings to region-leader Spanish Fork last Thursday, the T-Wolves (4-1) took out their frustrations on visiting Pleasant Grove (3-2), jumping out to a quick lead and pounding out timely hits for an 8-2 victory.
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"I'm just happy that after the egg we laid down at Spanish (Fork), we came back and played like the team we could," said Timpanogos coach Frank Brammal.
"This was a big game, and I've been worried about it after the way we played (last week)." Timpanogos wasted no time in jumping on top, as Chelsie Laird took a first-inning pitch and went yard for a two-run homer, giving her side an early cushion along with a load of momentum.
"That started the game off good," Brammal said. "A lot of our players were gone for spring break, and we moved our lineup around a little bit and just about had (Laird) go first. I'm glad we didn't."
After the Vikings got on the board in the second thanks to a Torrey Best RBI single, Timpanogos widened the gap with two more runs in the fourth inning on what Brammal called "one of the plays of the game."
With two outs and two strikes against the T-Wolves' Allysa Richards, Brammal called to Richards in the box and implored her to stay calm and knock one over the middle. On the next pitch, Richards did just that, sending a hopper to the center gap for a two-RBI double.
In the fifth, the Vikings would not back down, scoring once more as Amber Nielson crossed the plate on a sacrifice bunt by Amanda Burton.
Timpanogos would put the game away, however, scoring four runs on three hits in the bottom of the inning to seal the deal.
Timpanogos starter Sheri Stevens was solid on the mound, pitching the complete game.
"The other day she got hit in the hand right before that big inning at Spanish, and it hurt a bit," Brammal said of his ace. "But she was back to herself today, so we were happy with her."