Lindbergh fastpitch falls to Sammamish

Scoring runs has not been a problem for the Lindbergh fastpitch team so far in their nine game 2024 season. The Eagles have averaged just under 11 runs a game so far this year, but in their first meeting with Sammamish, the Redhawks held the Eagles to just one run.

Lindbergh was shutout for the majority of the contest April 2, scoring their lone run of the 5-1 loss in the final frame. But despite their pitfalls on offense on this occasion, Head Coach Shannon Mobley saw some flight and energy from her side.

“It is a tough loss to take, but not even all that disappointing because we played pretty well,” Mobley said.

Lindbergh starting pitcher Hailey Rasmussen threw a scoreless first inning, but some errors put her behind the eight ball in the second. She was able to get out of a bases loaded, no out situation, allowing just two runs, and left the inning with the bases juiced.

Rasmussen getting out of trouble was a prevalent theme in this game and for the Eagles all year long. She allowed just one earned run against Sammamish and struck out 10 in the loss. Her defense did make five errors, according to the Redhawks’ scorekeeper.

“Her game acumen is off the charts. As long as the rest of the team sees she doesn’t get rattled by the mistakes we make, it lends themselves to feeling okay,” Mobley said.

Offensively the Eagles, just could not get any momentum. Heading into the seventh inning, they were still searching for their first hit. But the Eagles were getting runners on base — Raylyn Pocaigue and Naomi Book both were hit by a pitch in the first inning. Rasmussen was also on base twice, drawing two walks. Lindbergh also had multiple chances at hits, but stellar play from Sammamish’s Tali Greer kept Eagles off the bases.

“Those hits are going to fall, that shortstop can’t make that play every time. Those are some good plays. One of those will fall and that is the rally we need right there,” Mobley said.

The one base hit and run scored came from Madison O’Neal, who shot a line drive to right field and later came around to score on an RBI-groundout from Kaylee Lovison.

Aside from the five errors the Eagles committed in the loss, Pocaigue was the shining light on defense. She started the game at third making a pair of put-outs, and then showed her athleticism at shortstop, catching a pop fly after colliding with the base umpire.

“I trust her to adapt to whatever we need…We made the switch (to shortstop) to kind of have a little bit of an adjustment at shortstop because of leads they were taking… I move her around anywhere I need her and she’s always like ‘Coach I got you,’” Mobley said.

A 5-1 score is manageable for Mobley, especially with how games against Sammamish have gone in the past. Just take a look at last season — the Redhawks swept Lindbergh in convincing style. In just two games, Sammamish scored 29 runs to Lindbergh’s nine.

It has been a mission for Mobley to cut down on mental mistakes this season and there were some in this game. But they were able to work around them in the game and focus on improving in that aspect.

“This is a game of mistakes. We didn’t pick a game that you’re ever going to play perfectly. What you’re going to see in this game is how you respond to those mistakes… That wins you those games,” Mobley said.

The season is just about halfway through, and the Eagles are still trying to figure out that chemistry aspect. They are close, and Mobley thinks that will also help alleviate some of those uncomfortable moments. “It takes a little bit for us to get rattled. There is still some stuff to clean up, but those are little things. We’re getting the fundamentals down and now it is communication, understanding personnel and who you’re playing with,” said Mobley.