Hammerheads drop the … hammer

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Hammerheads drop the … hammer

May 18, 2019 by David Svien

Combining big hits, tons of walks, and aggressive base-running, the Central Whidbey Little League Majors softball squad has outscored foes 225-53 this season. (Photo by Jackie Saia)

The middle of the Island controls things.

The Central Whidbey Little League Majors softball team is dominating play early on in a four-team “Softball Classic,” and now the path to the title runs through Coupeville.

Thumping a North Whidbey team for the second-straight day, the Hammerheads improved to 13-1 on the season and 2-0 in the tourney.

This time around the opponent was the North Whidbey Dragons, who fell 15-0.

In the tourney’s other game Saturday, the North Whidbey Bandits rebounded from a loss to Central Whidbey to paste South Whidbey 20-5, eliminating the latter team.

The two Oak Harbor squads, who sit at 1-1 in the tourney, play Monday, with the survivor advancing to face the Hammerheads in the championship.

Central Whidbey needs just one win to clinch the title, while either North Whidbey team would have to win Tuesday AND Wednesday to deny Coupeville’s band of hit-happy sluggers.

Saturday, the Hammerheads, even missing key players in Savina Wells (playing in a juniors game), Katie Marti (4H show), and Teagan Calkins (wedding), were unstoppable.

“Team was very efficient on offense and defense,” said CWLL coach Fred Farris.

Central Whidbey, playing with just nine girls, finished things quickly, dropping five runs in the first, tacking on another six in the second, then closing things with a four-spot in the third frame.

Chloe Marzocca stalked the pitcher’s circle, denying North Whidbey even a whiff of success, while Madison McMillan was on a torrid roll at the plate.

She finished with a flawless 3-for-3 performance, blasting a single, double, and home run, while driving in five runs.

For her performance, McMillan received a golden game ball presented by the other team.

Mia Farris added three hits of her own, while Taylor Brotemarkle (2), Marzocca (2), and Jada Heaton (1) all chipped in with base-knocks.

Mayleen Weatherford (2), Brionna Blouin (2), Aleksia Jump (1), Allison Nastali (1), and Marzocca (1) eked out walks as Central Whidbey kept the runners churning bag to bag.