Norse softball falls behind early in loss to Mustangs

In the first Whitehall softball game in more than a calendar year, the Norse fell behind early and couldn’t catch up to Melrose-Mindoro, falling 11-0 in six innings last Thursday.

Whitehall didn’t play at all in 2022 because of a lack of available players — instead the program joined with Arcadia to offer junior varsity competition. However, Whitehall returns in 2023 with 13 varsity players and a new coach, DJ Johnson. 

Whitehall’s home opener came this week Tuesday when they played Eau Claire Immanuel Lutheran they’ll host Pepin/Alma on Thursday before heading to Eleva-Strum Friday. This coming Tuesday, the Norse host Augusta before welcoming Independence/Gilmanton next Friday.

Mel-Min 11 Whitehall 0

The Mustangs scored six runs in the bottom of the first then ended the game with five in the bottom of the sixth. 

Whitehall nearly got out of the first inning without any damage. The Mustangs loaded the bases with one out before Ashlyn Clatt got a pop up for the second. Clatt walked the next four batters before a double brought home two runs, putting Mel-Min ahead 6-0.

Clatt got out of the second inning with no more damage allowed before being replaced by Kelsie Klomsten, who had held the Mustangs in check until the bottom of the sixth inning.

A walk and two hits loaded the bases with no outs before another walk brought one run in and a double scored two. Consecutive singles allowed two more runs to score, ending the game by rule with an 11-0 score.

Whitehall’s only hit in the game was a two-out single by Harlow Foss in the top of the third.

Clatt took the loss, allowing three hits, five walks and six earned runs, while striking out two in two innings. Klomsten pitched the rest of the game, striking out three while allowing six hits, four walks and five earned runs.