Some general observations that couldn't fit into today's story:
North Iredell has some serious bats. Hannah Stutts is capable of putting one over the fence at any time, and all spots throughout the lineup are great contact hitters. But the Raiders will have to do a better job of getting their runners home when it's time for the playoffs. North stranded 12 runners on base in six innings, six in scoring position. At least one runner was left on base in every inning.
Although it didn't alter the final score in any way, Lake Norman second baseman Ashley Belsole made an incredible defensive play. With first baseman Ashley Malone inching toward the plate to field a potential bunt, North's Rebecca Burris popped a pitch well foul on the first base side. Belsole got a great jump and made an awesome diving catch deep in foul territory.
The home plate umpire was a little testy. After making a very questionable strike call (it looked way outside to me), someone from North's side of the bleachers hollered "Come on, blue!" The umpire halted the action, turned to point in the general direction of the voice and snarled "Watch it." Hey, he deserved to be heckled. His strike zone was inconsistent all game.
I wrote in my story how Stutts drove in a run while Lake Norman was trying to intentionally walk her. What I didn't mention was that during her at bat in the fifth inning, Stutts strode to the plate and batted left handed - she's not left handed, nor a switch hitter. She laughed about it after the game and said she was just "trying something different." She was intentionally walked successfully that time.
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