The Calera Eagles rebounded impressively after a challenging start, securing victories over the T.R. Miller Tigers and the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs in Wetumpka on February 28, 2024. This marked a significant turnaround after the Eagles faced a heavy defeat against the Enterprise Wildcats earlier in the day.
Calera’s weekend began on a sour note as they fell to the Enterprise Wildcats with a score of 12-0. The Wildcats dominated the game, scoring consistently throughout the match. After taking an early lead, Enterprise accelerated with four runs in the second inning, followed by one in the third and a staggering six in the fourth, ending the game under the mercy rule.
Calera utilized two pitchers during the match. Bristol Rodgers allowed four runs on three hits in just one inning, while Stella Schilleci pitched three innings, giving up eight runs on five hits, alongside three strikeouts and three walks.
Despite this setback, the Eagles displayed remarkable resilience in their next game against T.R. Miller. They won decisively with a score of 12-2. The Eagles quickly established dominance, starting with a run in the first inning. Mia Wade led off with a walk, stole second, and scored on a double from Schilleci.
The offense continued to surge as Armiya Shamburger hit a home run, bringing the score to 3-0. The Eagles maintained their momentum throughout the game, with Wade stealing home and later contributing to a series of runs that extended their lead. By the end of the fourth inning, Calera had pushed their score to 10-2, putting the game well out of reach for T.R. Miller.
Rodgers emerged as the winning pitcher, finishing with no runs allowed and one walk over three innings, solidifying the team’s confidence heading into their final game of the day.
In their matchup against the Stanhope Elmore Mustangs, the Eagles faced early adversity, trailing 2-0 after the Mustangs scored on a passed ball and a single. However, Calera responded quickly. Wade walked to start the inning, and Schilleci’s successful bunt allowed both players to advance. Wade’s aggressive base running paid off as she stole home, leveling the score at 2-2.
The Eagles took command in the fourth inning. After Brooklyn Taylor hit a double, Schilleci followed suit, putting runners in scoring position. Bristol Rodgers delivered a single that drove in Taylor, and Shamburger added an inside-the-park home run, extending the Eagles’ lead to 7-2.
Despite a late attempt by the Mustangs to score, Calera’s defense held strong, and they finished the game with a 7-3 victory. Rodgers pitched a complete game, allowing only one run on six hits and striking out two batters.
With these two victories, the Calera Eagles ended February on a high note, setting the stage for area play in March. The team’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity will be key as they look to build on this momentum in upcoming matches.
