Prairie puts a bump in Linn-Mar’s MVC softball title path, 4-2

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Prairie made Linn-Mar’s path to a Mississippi Valley Conference divisional title a bit more rocky.

Maybe the postseason, too.

The Hawks strung together three straight hits in the bottom of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie, and knocked off the Class 5A eighth-ranked Lions, 4-2, in an MVC softball surprise Wednesday night at Prairie High School.

“That was a lot of pressure, but a lot of fun,” said Prairie’s Hannah Rudd, who supplied the go-ahead RBI. “I love being in that spot for my team.”

Prairie (15-17 overall, 8-8 MVC) won despite an 11-5 deficit in hits. Linn-Mar (20-9, 15-2) stranded nine runners, and that trend began right away.

The Lions opened with a double by Emma Barnes and a single by Addie Gralund, had runners at second and third with no outs, but couldn’t cash in.

“That was a big way to lead off the game,” Prairie Coach Alisha Frese said.

Wednesday’s outcome left the Lions with no room for error in the Valley Division race. They’ll go to Dubuque Hempstead (28-9, 16-3) for a crucial doubleheader Thursday.

It also left the Lions with something to think about in the postseason series; they are likely to host Prairie in a 5A regional semifinal.

So, how do you approach a game like this?

“We just said to approach it like we’re playing a good team,” Frese said.

Prairie started its game-winning rally with nobody on and two outs.

Danielle Klees reached on an error, then courtesy runner Cora Frese advanced on a wild pitch.

Rudd’s RBI single put the Hawks in front, then singles by Piper Johnson and Riley Redig provided insurance.

“I just tried to stay positive, go up there like it was any other game,” Rudd said.

Linn-Mar gave itself a chance to answer. Grace McCarty singled home Emma Barnes with one out to make it 4-2, and represented the tying run, but the Lions couldn’t complete the rally.

McCarty had both of Linn-Mar’s RBIs. She followed Emily Koranda’s third-inning triple with a single to put the Lions up 1-0.

Two errors and two walks allowed Prairie to tie it in the fourth.

Klees (6-10) earned the victory despite surrendering 11 hits.

Cedar Rapids Prairie 4, Linn-Mar 2

At C.R. Prairie

Linn-Mar 001 000 1 — 2 11 4

C.R. Prairie 000 103 x — 4 5 1

Jordyn Beck, Emily Koranda (6) and Madi Wells. Danielle Klees and Lola Hawkins. W — Klees (6-10). L — Beck (7-5).

Comments: jeff.linder@thegazette.com