Branford softball can’t hang on against Chiefland

Published 2:05 pm Thursday, March 14, 2019

BRANFORD — With all the momentum on their side and an early five-run lead, it looked like the Branford High softball team was poised to finally get a victory against district foe Chiefland.

But the Indians shrugged off a slow start to earn a 13-8 victory Tuesday at BHS. 

Chiefland’s Bria Hinkle entered the circle in relief and picked up the win by allowing just two runs in six innings. Chiefland outscored Branford 12-2 during the final five innings. 

“A great young pitcher,” Buccaneers coach Oscar Saavedra said of Hinkle, an eighth grader. “I wanted it bad (to beat Chiefland) and so did the girls. It was a big disappointment.”

Cera McElreath had three of Branford’s eight hits for the game. The sophomore leadoff hitter went 3-4 with four RBIs, which included a big hit in the second inning. She doubled with the bases loaded to drive in three runs and put Branford ahead 6-1. 

“That’s why she’s at leadoff. I know she’ll make contact and make things happen,” said Saavedra.

Chiefland responded with four runs in the top of the third inning. The Indians pounded five straight singles during the frame and also took advantage of an error. They went on to score five more runs in the fourth inning — taking the lead for the first time — and then three runs in the seventh. 

Maci Thomas and Nikki Fuller had a game-high four hits for Chiefland (7-2). 

Branford’s Maddi Gallman had two singles and an RBI. Destiny Fennell reached base three times and scored twice. Adrianna Saavedra, Dara Cannon and Mackenzie Eakins had one hit apiece while Evie Pitts scored two runs.

The Buccaneers are 2-5 overall and 1-5 in district play.