By Jon Johnson
THATCHER – A pitcher’s duel ended with just a couple swings of the bat Thursday night as Fire Stix triumphed over Fusion, 4-1, in the championship of the Thatcher Recreation League’s Pee Wee softball.
Fire Stix pitcher Bre Arbizo began the night by helping her own cause in the first inning with an inside-the-park home run to go up 1-0.
Fire Stix coach Stacey Lunt said she was proud of how her team improved throughout the year and praised Arbizo’s prowess on the mound.
“She’s an exceptional pitcher, for her age, especially,” Lunt said.
Contributed Photo/Courtesy Vanessa Arbizo: Battling pitchers Kai Cordova, left, and Bre Arbizo congratulate each other after the game.
After Brynlee Montoya knocked in a run on a single in the third inning, Arbizo again stepped up and gave herself some breathing room with her second inside-the-park home run, scoring both herself and Montoya to put Fire Stix up 4-0.
Fusion got on board in the fourth inning when Marley Jurado knocked in Halie Myers on a single, but the rally would come up short, 4-1.
Lunt described the Fusion team as being probably the best-hitting team in the league and that Arbizo really had to bring her A-game. She also said Fusion’s pitcher, Kai Cordova, had an outstanding game and that the two pitchers are probably the best in the league. The Thatcher Pee Wee teams play fast-pitch softball, and Fusion was coached by Tyler and Jaime Meyers. Lunt was assisted by Denise Householder.
Lunt said the improvement the younger girls showed throughout the season was easily noticeable and that the league is a fun time for the girls that can get a little bit more competitive when the championship is on the line.
“It’s always fun to win a championship even if it’s just for Pee Wee girls,” Lunt said.
