SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Like choosing the wrong vehicle on the Dodgem cars ride -- and the ensuing frustration of being hemmed in with nowhere to go -- on Saturday the Pirates were hemmed in, bumped, rammed, and unable to find a spark to get moving, as they were swept by the Padua Bruins in a neutral-site doubleheader.

In a windswept twin bill played at Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center, Rocky River was outscored, 37-4. The Bruins took the opening game in a 15-0 shutout. They closed out the Pirates, 22-4, in game two.

The Pirates (1-3) were credited with more fielding errors (13) than they were hits (five) in a tough, injury-riddled slog against the talented Bruins. Padua scored three-or-more runs in 7-of-8 innings; both contests were five-inning, run-rule affairs. The Bruins cranked out 16 extra-base hits over their eight at-bats.

Maire Kelly (2-for-6) and Kelsey Murphy (2-for-5, triple) recorded multiple hits on the day.

The solace for the Pirates: the next game in a softball season, like the next ride at an amusement park, is close at hand. You can get off the ride just ended and go and find another. The next rides for River are of the Great Lakes Conference variety. The Pirates are slated to play at Normandy, host Parma on Tuesday, and then visit Parma on Thursday.


by Skip Snow

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