SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
Class 4A — McPherson 4, Eudora 1
SALINA, Kan. — The No. 1 McPherson High School softball team capped a perfect season, defeating No. 2 Eudora, 4-1, in the Class 4A state championship game on Friday evening at Salina South High School.
The Bullpups finish the season 31-0, while the Cardinals end their year with a 27-2 mark.
Addison Chapman pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings, striking out seven and walking two.
The Bullpups took an early lead with a bases-loaded walk by Pera Bauer in the first inning. They added single runs in the second and third, the latter coming on a Rylie Whitfield RBI single to right, to build a 3-0 advantage.
Chapman also led McPherson at the plate, going 2-for-2 from the leadoff spot. Bauer and Whitfield each drove in a run, and McPherson played error-free defense, with Haely Hagemann recording a team-high seven chances.
Eudora starter Sam Claire struck out 10 while giving up seven hits and four runs across six innings. Claire also drove in the Cardinals’ lone run and had one of their two hits, joined by Reese Pattison. Eudora also played clean defensively, with Pattison leading the team with 11 chances.
Class 2-1A — Oskaloosa 8, Inman 1
PRATT, Kan. — No. 2 Inman couldn’t overcome an early deficit and fell 8-1 to No. 5 Oskaloosa in the Class 2-1A state softball championship Friday at Green Sports Complex.
The Teutons end their historic season with a 24-2 record, while the Bears end their title season with a 25-5 record.
The Bears struck quickly, scoring twice in the top of the first on an RBI double by Keirstyn Mitchell and an RBI single from Harper Heston.
Inman starter Lyla Levin pitched all seven innings, allowing 11 hits and eight runs, six earned, while striking out six and walking four.
Oskaloosa’s Lily Pullen was dominant in the circle, giving up just three hits and one run over seven innings. She struck out 13 and walked one.
Leadoff hitter Maddi Parsons paced Inman with two of the team’s three hits.
Mitchell led Oskaloosa at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs. Mayzie Peak and Parris Marsh also had multiple hits.