TAUNTON – Spotting Samantha Lincoln a four-run lead, basically off the bus, was not the plan for the Methuen High Rangers.
For 22 straight Taunton High softball foes this spring, that script has spelled doom. Down 4-0 after one, the Rangers bowed out in the Division 1 state quarterfinals, 12-2, on Saturday night at Jack Tripp Field.
Lincoln, the Texas Tech-bound Mass. Gatorade Player of the Year, will now look to slay Central Catholic in the state semis.
“It was the same way (in the Round of 16) against Newton North,” said Methuen coach Jason Smith. They got a runner on, and (Brooke) Aldrich hit a first-inning homer. Tonight, they got two on, and A!drich hit a homer. I feel like I watched that same game twice.”
Immediately, trailing with the pressure on, the Rangers committed some costly errors that helped allow Taunton to break it open.
“We just can’t afford to make those kinds of mistakes against a team like that,” said Smith, whose club finished up at 13-10.
“That’s a good hitting lineup and the pitcher to boot. Talented team, I tip my cap to them.”
Methuen scored single runs in the third and sixth and both times, Taunton misplays played an impact.
In the third, Alexis Anthony dribbled a roller to third for an infield single-turned-inside-the-park homer. The ball was thrown over the first baseman’s head, then over the shortstop’s head covering at second, allowing Anthony to take third. The outfielder backing up the play then kicked the throw, and Anthony scooted home.
In the sixth, a walk, an infield error, and Ari Baez’ RBI ground out to second finished all the Methuen scoring.