The Riverside Bulldogs softball team dominated Boyer Valley winning 23-0 at home on Monday night in the Class 1A Region 2 First Round. It was a matchup where Boyer Valley seemed to struggle in every aspect of the game. The top of the first inning saw Boyer Valley’s Maria Puck reach first base off of an error to get a runner on board. She managed to steal her way towards third base before the next two batters struck out for Boyer Valley ending the top of the first. In the bottom of the first Riverside adapted quickly to starting pitcher Danny Hikins, as the first 3 batters were hit twice by pitches and one walked. When the bases then became loaded, Peyton Schafer hit a 2 RBI single putting Riverside up 2-0. That was the just the beginning as Riverside went on to score 7 more runs from 4 walks and 2 base hits. Totaling their lead at 9-0 by the end of the first inning.

Boyer Valley tried to adjust their batting approach at the plate against Schafer but had no luck as she quickly retired the side with 2 more strikeouts. It was then in the bottom of the second inning when things really started to fall apart for Boyer Valley. The bases quickly became loaded again for Riverside as an error from second and back-to-back walks put immense pressure on Boyer Valley. It was then that Boyer Valley started to gain positive momentum when they struck out Kaycie Perkins and gained a second out from a fielder’s choice with a throw toward home. At that point Elly Henderson came up to bat with 2 outs and started a 14-run wave from her 3 RBI single making it a 12-0 lead. In the remainder of the inning Riverside had 8 more walks, 6 more hits, and 9 RBI’s. By the time out number three came, Riverside led 23-0.

The top of the third inning saw 3 Boyer Valley batters go up and 3 come back to the dug out with the run rule being in effect and ending the game at 23-0. Schafer had another all-around great game for Riverside pitching 3 innings, with no runs, and 5 strikeouts. In the box she went 3-4, including 6 RBIs, and a 3-run homer in the bottom of the second.

Riverside Head Coach Lacie Patterson credits Schafer’s calm demeanor to her age.

Riverside also had great production from Madison Kelly’s 3 hits and 4 RBIs on the night. In total Riverside accumulated 13 walks, 10 hits, and 16 earned runs. Coach Patterson liked the consistency from her batters throughout the evening.

Riverside’s win advances them to the second round of postseason play as they head to Woodbine Wednesday night. Coach Patterson knows her team can make it a competitive game.

The loss for Boyer Valley keeps them winless on the year and they finish the season with a 0-17 record.