May 5, 2021 – Hartford, WI – It was the first non-conference softball game for Hartford and Germantown girls this season and the 5-1 victory by the Orioles was decided by a few wild pitches and a three-run sixth inning.
Hartford scored in the bottom of the first inning off one of many wild pitches thrown by Germantown junior starter Nicole Ramstack. Several batters were awarded a base after being hit by a pitch in the early going.
Ramstack managed to find her groove and completed the game for Germantown, merely falling victim to good hitting as opposed to pitching errors.
Germantown evened the score at 1-1 in the top of fourth inning when a wild pitch/bunt attempt broke their way with a runner reaching home.
However, Hartford answered back in its portion of the fourth inning, when junior Kira Kirsch pinch hit an RBI single that would be the game-deciding run.
Hartford also got an RBI single from junior Brooke Lazaris.
Hartford’s junior starting pitcher Brooke Voss contributed on both sides of the plate. In addition to throwing a complete game with four strikeouts, two walks and two allowed hits, Voss had two hits including a double, two runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base.
The win was a great confidence builder for Hartford. “I am glad we all got to play different positions,” said Kirsch. “It really helped to get back on the field, especially because we were off the field for so long.”
While focused on the current season Kirsch is aware the recruitment process is underway for college ball. “Right now, I don’t have any future plans set in stone. I’m just happy to be playing a game I love.”
Germantown (2-3) returns to conference play with its next game at Menomonee Falls on Thursday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m.
Hartford (4-0) will return to the North Shore Conference against Grafton on the road Thursday at 4 p.m.