Tied 2-2 in the 7th, Madison offense erupts in extras to stay undefeated

JEFFERSON – Junior Ally Negin and freshman Maddy Jo Moore had three hits apiece as the Madison Blue Streaks (3-0) outlast the Jefferson Falcons, 6-2, to open up Chagrin Valley Conference play on the road Monday.

After a full night of rain in Jefferson, the teams were determined to squeeze this contest in as-planned. Gametime temps plummeted from 50° at the scheduled start time, to near 40° by the 5:30 pm first-pitch. The playing surface impressive on the infield, was a playable slick on the outfield grass. In the end – daylight may have played the largest role – as both teams had to negotiate the conditions.

Perfect night to play extra innings! Right? Who said that out loud?

Trailing 2-1 going into the bottom of the 7th inning, Jefferson (0-1) rallied to a tie and nearly won the game! That did not happen thanks to a game-saving stretch by Madison first baseman Natalie Best, who did everything shy of put on clown shoes, ensuring an 8th inning at-bat for the Blue Streaks. Her team surged to score four runs in the bonus frame and shut the Falcons out in the bottom half to preserve the victory.

Negin drove in two Madison runs, while freshman Gianna LaMarco crossed the plate three times. Senior pitcher Kara Mekulsia (3-0) had another solid outing with 15 strikeouts.

Jefferson playing in the first of four straight scheduled games will host Maplewood on Tuesday at 5:30 pm (weather permitting). The Falcons only planned day off – Friday. Winter-like temps and rain remain in-and-out of the forecast all week.

Madison will take a day off ahead of another big challenge, at home on Wednesday, versus Edgewood at 5 pm. The Warriors are fresh off a Spring trip to Florida, had their home contest with Geneva on Monday postponed to April 15th.