Brakettes Reach Winner's Bracket Semi-Final With Victory Over Breakers

August 7, 2009 - The Stratford Brakettes got the best of the Stratford Breakers with a 3-0 decision Friday night in a winner's bracket quarterfinal at DeLuca Field in Stratford. The victory moved the Brakettes into Saturday's winner’s bracket semi-finals against the St. Louis Saints.

With a great crowd in attendance, the first night of double-elimination play in the Women’s Major Softball Championship was a big success for all involved. The matchup of local rivals followed the Saints’ 10-2 victory over the New York Raiders.

Brakette starter Kasey Barrett and Breaker hurler Sara Plourde entertained the fans with a pitcher’s duel, as the contest was scoreless until the fifth. Barrett struck out nine batters and walked none, and surrendered just one hit, a fourth inning single by Christina Wolfe.

Plourde struck out nine Brakettes, while scattering six singles and issuing three walks.

Stacey Lajoie changed the game in the fifth inning, when she led off with a single to left field. Carly Normandin dropped a sac bunt to the left side, drawing in third baseman Alyssa Downs to make the play. Downs threw to first to get Normandin, and Lajoie rounded second and headed to third. Lajoie outraced everyone to the bag, drawing an errant throw from first, which allowed Lajoie to head home with the tie-breaker.

The manufactured run put the Brakettes up 1-0, and Stratford picked up two more in the sixth.

Molly Johnson drew a leadoff walk, and was pushed to second on a sac bunt by Mandie Fishback. Jess Mouse delivered a single to score Johnson from second, and then took second on the throw home. Bailey Sanders sliced a single to right field to score Mouse, putting the Brakettes up 3-0.

Katie Dinahanian led off the seventh for the Breakers and reached second base on a throwing error. Barrett retired the next three batters to close out the win.

The Brakettes and St. Louis Saints will play Saturday at 1:45 at DeLuca Field. The Topton (PA) VIP’s and NYC Havoc will play in the other semi-final at 12 noon, also at DeLuca. Topton advanced with a 13-0 rout of the Outten (PA) Trailblazers, while the Havoc defeated the New York Freedom 2-0.

All games from the 2009 Women’s Major Softball Championship are broadcast right here at brakettes.com.