Rainier used a four-run sixth inning to outdistance Class 3A North Thurston in a 7-1, season-opening road victory Wednesday in non-league play.
Holding a 3-1 advantage entering the top of the sixth, Olivia Earsley smashed an RBI single followed by a two-run double by Bailey Elwell to help the Mountaineers take a 7-1 lead they would hold the rest of the way.
“Things really kicked off in the top of the sixth… then it was absolute lockdown defense to finish out the game, with Azylyn Taylor returning to her former school to get the final out of the game,” Rainier coach Kyle Greenwood said.
Eight Rainier batters in total collected base hits, led by Elwell who finished 2 for 3 at the plate with three RBI, a run and a walk. Madison Mounts was 2 for 4 with a run and Alyssa Lofgren and Brooklynn Swenson each walked twice, with Swenson scoring a run.
Elwell, who is also the Mountaineers’ ace, dominated on the mound, striking out 12 batters and allowing just one earned run on four hits for the complete-game win.
“Couldn't be more proud of this start to the season,” Greenwood said. “Everyone contributed, everyone was positive and everyone was eager to contribute to the team as a whole.”
Rainier (1-0) will look to keep its momentum when it travels to Mossyrock for a 4 p.m., non-league matchup on Friday.
