PETALUMA >> Trailing 3-0 after four innings, the Middletown Mustangs had already stranded nine baserunners and were probably wondering if they were ever going to break through against St. Vincent in a non-league softball game on Thursday afternoon in Petaluma.
They did.
Middletown beat St. Vincent 8-6 thanks to a five-run top of the seventh inning that wiped out a three-run deficit. The Mustangs actually had to rally twice to win the game. After fighting back to even the score at 3-all, the Mustangs watched St. Vincent push back in front 6-3 with a three-run bottom of the sixth.
“To their credit, not a single player hung they head,” Middletown coach Barry Glosser said of his players. “It was pretty amazing. I’m proud of them all.”
Sparking the Middletown comeback were solo home runs by Hannah Flynn (2-for-2) and Gracie Armstrong (1-for-2). Flynn’s blast to left field capped a two-run uprising that brought the Mustangs (1-1) to within 3-2. Armstrong’s shot, also to left field, tied the game in the top of the sixth before St. Vincent answered with three runs in the bottom half.
The top of Middletown’s batting order greeted St. Vincent in the top of the seventh and the Mustangs went to work, according to Glosser.
“Early in the game we were knocking on the door but couldn’t hit the big hit,” he said. “In the seventh it seemed like that’s all we got.” Brittney Holt led Middletown’s 11-hit attack by going 4-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs. Flynn and Kenzie Harris (2-for-4, RBI) each finished with two hits.
Winning pitcher Olivia Glosser went the distance, allowing seven hits, striking out none and walking one.
Weather and field conditions permitting, Middletown is scheduled to host El Molino on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The Mustangs travel to Willows on Friday.
