Back-and-forth game ends with Pittsfield softball team breaking 20-victory mark

QUINCY — In a game that featured four lead changes and 29 combined hits, the Pittsfield softball team scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth to take the lead for good and held off a West Hancock seventh inning rally to win 13-11 in the first game of QND Slam on Saturday at The Backyard.

The Titans scored five runs to take a 10-6 lead in the top of the fifth, but the Saukees responded with a five-spot. Josie McClintock’s single brought in the first two runs. Paige Willman followed with a sacrifice fly that scored both Presley Brown and McClintock to tie the game, then Torie Stambaugh delivered a two-out single to drive in Sophie Gengler and give the Saukees an 11-10 lead.

McClintock gave the Saukees some insurance with a two-out, two-RBI double in the bottom of the sixth.

Two singles got runners to first and third with one out for the Titans in the seventh. Isabel Brown attempted to steal second on the first pitch to the next batter, Kaia Figge, but Saukees catcher Grace Henry’s throw went into center field, allowing Camie Montgomoery to score. Emma Wombles then struck out Figge and Aubrey Karle to end the game.

Emma Henry and Lila Simon each went 3 for 4 with two RBIs for the Saukees (20-7), who have won six games in a row.

Brown, Montana Devine and Lakin Larson each had three hits for the Titans (10-12).