“It’s important to get a good start in the region, they’re a solid team so we wanted to make sure we get a little momentum,” ELCA head coach Doug Campbell said. “You don’t want to lose your first game in the region, we only play five. It’s all about positioning, every one of them is important.”

The Chargers loaded the bases twice in the next two innings but came empty on both occasions due to double plays.

“It was frustrating,” Campbell said of the inning-ending double plays. “It was frustrating the whole game because we didn’t hit the ball well.”

But everything changed in the bottom of the fourth inning as the Lady Chargers were able to turn a two-out situation into runs. Hannah Smith’s two-out walk was followed by a Pinholster single to put runners on first and third. Pinholster advanced to second easily on a steal before McDonald recorded a 2-RBI single to put ELCA up 3-0.

ELCA put the game away in the sixth inning with five runs. Pinholster coasted the rest of the way, allowing just one hit and one walk in the contest.

“Pitching and our defense was excellent, we just have to learn how to hit better,” Campbell said. “I’m pleased with the win but I’m not pleased because we’re not where we need to be if we’re going to win region.”

McDonald led the offense with two hits and 4 RBIs. Jenkins finished with 2 RBIs performance, while Pinholster and Wright pitched in an RBI each.

ELCA will travel to Holy Innocents’ Thursday for another region contest.