The Fossil Ridge softball team beat the Fort Collins Lambkins 14-4, as they continue the road to the playoffs.

This dominant play is a nice return to form after a scare earlier in the week against Broomfield. Fossil was able to secure a win on the road in extras 5-3 and stay undefeated. With this most recent win, the Sabercats improved to 16-0 (5-0 in league play).

Fossil started the game rolling, scoring 8 runs and not allowing a single hit after the first two innings. To give ace Nikki McGaffin some rest, freshman Brooklyn Cardenas took the mound to start the third.

Cardenas struggled early, allowing Fort Collins to rally with two runs in her first inning pitching. The rally stopped when the plate umpire was struck with a foul ball, injuring his hand and causing the game to be stopped to patch him up.

After the ten minute stoppage, Brooklyn Cardenas looked more comfortable, securing two outs to stop the damage at just 2 runs. Fossil immediately scored another run, leading 9-2 after 3 innings.

Cardenas stayed strong in the top of the fourth, allowing no runs and retiring batters in quick succession. The Sabercats extended their lead 13-2, with multiple runs coming from smart baserunning.

Fossil’s baserunning ability is the most underrated part of their game. The Sabercats are good at smart positioning and decisive decisions without being too risky. These extra bases eventually pile up and lead to heaps of runs in short periods.

The Sabercats allowed 2 more runs in the top of the 5th, but then scored one of their own to reach the mercy rule and end the game victorious.

This game was the first of three consecutive game days for Fossil, as they will battle Pueblo West at home on September 24 and travel to Erie for a game the next day.

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