March 19: Grizzlies' errors lead to 4-1 loss

Ashland Daily Tidings

ROGUE RIVER - The Rogue River Chieftains scored all the runs they would need - three - in the first two innings, including a first-inning solo home run by Kristi Fredericks, in a 4-1 non-league softball win over Ashland High on Monday.

Ashland's Sara Joy Burnson scored from second on an error in the second inning to tie the game 1-1, but the Chieftains (1-1) answered in the bottom of the inning on a two-run double by Crystal Kalinowski.

"We played absolutely terrible," Ashland coach Rich Beugli said. "Our stellar defense was not there. They just mentally didn't show up ready to play."

Senior pitcher Megan Beugli went the distance on the mound for the Grizz (2-2) and was credited with her first loss despite a solid performance that included six strikeouts and one intentional walk.

Beugli and junior infielder Anna Harris each slapped a double to lead the Grizzlies at the plate, but Ashland finished with four hits and six errors while Rogue River had five hits and two errors.

Three of Rogue River's four runs were unearned.

Beugli said there were some positives. "We did make some nice adjustments from the game before, executing our short game," he said. "We just hit it right at somebody when we hit it. As a team, we only had one strikeout."

Ashland's next game is scheduled for Wednesday against Churchill, at North Mountain Park.