Five-run fifth lifts Le Mars past SC West 10-5

(Sentinel photo by Roy Tucker) Le Mars shortstop Emily Anderson throws to first for an out during Friday's 10-5 win over Sioux City West. [Click to enlarge]

Le Mars tallied five runs in the fifth inning to break open a 5-5 tie and defeat Sioux City West 10-5 in non-league action Friday evening.

The Lady Bulldogs rolled to an early lead with three runs in the first.

Emily Anderson led off with a single and Natalie Miller reached on a fielder's choice in which West failed to make an out. Both Anderson and Miller advanced on a passed ball before Emily TeBrink hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Anderson.

Kirstie Ruhland reached and advanced to second on an error that scored Miller for the second Lady Bulldog run.

Ruhland scored on a Bailey Heidebrink double to give Le Mars a 3-0 lead.

But four Lady Bulldog errors in the top of the fourth gave the visiting Wolverines a 5-3 advantage.

Le Mars regained the lead with two in the bottom of the frame before a five-run fifth inning gave the contest its final score.

Erin Kommes collected the win for Le Mars. She gave up five runs - one earned - on seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.

Anderson went 2-for-4 and TeBrink was 2-for-3 to lead the offensive effort for the Lady Bulldogs.

Le Mars (15-5) begins a heavy week of traveling on Monday at Estherville-Lincoln Central. The contest will begin earlier than the schedule indicates because E-LC does not have lights at its field.

The Lady 'Dogs also have road trips to 10th-ranked (Class 2A) Sioux Central and third-ranked (Class 2A) Emmetsburg on the docket this week.

They will play Sheldon at home on Wednesday and spend the weekend at the Spencer tournament where they will face ranked opponents in Akron-Westfield (Class 1A No. 4), Newell-Fonda (Class 1A No. 2) and Sioux City Bishop Heelan (Class 3A No. 4).