Blaze split one-run games in tournament

COLORADO — It was a case of feast and famine for the Moses Lake Blaze softball team at the Sparkler tournament in Colorado Thursday. In two games, the Blaze split one-run decisions but continue play Friday.

In the first game, the Blaze tallied seven runs off of Utah and had strong pitching from Heather Coulter to win 7-6. Coulter threw five innings, allowing one run on five hits. She was 2 for 2 from the plate. Crystal Mabry, Shayla May and Jennifer Yoder all had hits for the Blaze.

In the second game, the Blaze were unable to capitalize from a good pitching performance by Kelly Martinez and lost 1-0 to a team from Brandon, Ill. Martinez threw six innings and struck out seven, but surrendered one unearned run.

"We had a couple of errors that cost us that one," said head coach Alan Coulter.

Martinez' performance throughout the tournament caused her selection for an All-Star showcase game against the New Zealand national team.

— Staff report