Mystics complete undefeated season, defeat Rumblers in Minor League Softball Championship

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It was a night chock-full of softball on Thursday as teams gathered at King Park for the championship games of the Morristown Parks and Rec Softball League in the Minors and Little League divisions respectively, with the home run derby taking place between games.

Game one was the minors, with the Mystics capping off their undefeated season, besting the Rumblers by a score of 14-1.

Aubrey Daniell got the start in the circle for the Mystics, imposing her will on the game. She finished with 10 strikeouts in four innings.

“We have a pitcher-catcher combo that’s worked together for about three years now, and over time that starts to show,” said Mystic coach Courtney Daniell after the game. “We played tough defense in the field, everyone was hitting, and our pitcher played amazing today.”

The 1-2 combo’s continuity was evident on the field and proved to be an advantage, particularly at the minors level.

Things looked good for the Rumblers early on, with Carleigh Slover smacking an inside the park homer down the left field line on the very first pitch of the game.

Daniell quickly laid the worries of Mystics fans to rest, striking out the next three batters to close out the top of the inning.

For the Rumblers, Chloe Wilder got the start in the circle.

In the bottom of the first, base running was the name of the game for the Mystics. When they got runners on base, they capitalized.

Following two early walks, Aubree Horner got the scoring started with her RBI double. A bunt from Raylie Arnold and some crafty base running left the score at 4-1 after one.

After more walks and more stolen bases in the second, Kacclynne Seal’s RBI single hit to center field in the bottom of the third extended the lead to 8-1 after three innings.

With the game timer winding down entering the fourth, both teams knew it would end up being their final inning. The Rumblers hoping to claw their way back, the Mystics looking to put an exclamation point on their unbeaten season.

Daniell struck out the side in the top of the inning, and reminded everyone it was just that kind of night for the Mystics.

The Mystics rallied in the bottom, with Aubrey Daniell, Aubree Horner, Raylie Arnold, Gracelyn Coy and Tinsley Brunson each picking up consecutive RBIs to extend the lead to 14-1. Carleigh Slover, now in at pitcher for the Rumblers, managed to stop the bleeding, striking out the final two batters she faced, and the game would end at that score.

“The season as a whole was really good,” said coach Daniell. “It was a bit up and down, but having girls that really wanted to play and really wanted to try hard made it a fun season.”

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