“Both teams are hitting the ball pretty well right now, but an 8-run inning is hard to overcome,” said EHS coach Jerry Trigg. “They’ve got some good hitters.”

The Lady Bulldogs scored two more runs in the sixth on an RBI single by Sydney Kibler, followed by a wild pitch that allowed the second run to cross the plate.

The Lady Hearts made it interesting in the bottom of the sixth. Tori Budde walked and Saige Althoff had an infield single to get it started. After the next two batters were retired, Grace Bushur lined a double to the leftfield fence, driving in both runners. An error allowed the third run to score and Abby Cunningham capped the four-run frame with an RBI single.

“You think 11 runs will be enough, but you’re never sure, especially in a series like this,” Taylor noted. “Effingham came ready to play and so did we. This is what makes this series so much fun. You never know what to expect.”

Effingham took a 1-0 lead in the opening inning. Bushur grounded a pitch just inside the third base bag for a lead-off double. She went to third on a bunt single by Daelyn Dunston and scored when Abby Cunningham’s pop-up was dropped for an error.

Both teams scored a single tally in the second. The Lady Bulldogs got an RBI single from Cameron Rios, but EHS responded. Saige Althoff lined a triple over the rightfielder’s head and scored when Mya Harvey singled up the middle.

Fearday went all seven innings and threw 107 pitches to get the win. She allowed 10 hits and seven runs, while walking just one and striking out four. Saige Althoff threw 127 pitches in a losing effort. She allowed 14 hits and 11 runs, while walking four and striking out three.

The two teams combined for 24 hits, with St. Anthony collecting 14 of those. Wernsing and Sydney Kibler both had three hits for SAHS. Bushur, Dunston and the Althoff sisters – Saige and Sawyer – each collected two hits to lead Effingham’s 10-hit attack.

“I love the City Series,” Trigg said. “We both want to be the best team in town. That’s what makes Friday’s game so big.”

The Lady Bulldogs improved to 22-4 on the season, while the Lady Hearts dropped to 14-12.

The series finale will be Friday at Bulldog Field and will determine the City Series champion for 2022. Game time is set for 4 p.m.