By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

KEIZER, Ore.– McNary freshman Natalie Macik had herself a challenge in her start in the pitcher’s circle Saturday afternoon as she was facing the 6A State Runners-Up from Oregon City.

Trusting in her defense and pitching into a groove after a tough start to the game, the Celtics turned a 4-0 deficit into a 4-3 ball game going into the fifth inning in the non-league match-up.  Macik broke the shutout in the third inning with a ground-out before Lacey Vasas hit a two-run home run the very next inning to help put pressure on the Pioneers.

“It was definitely a good confidence booster.  We’re really good at fighting back when we’re down, I definitely think our bats come to life and the energy in the dugout comes up ” said Macik of the surge back into the game.”I’m definitely going to start working on my movement pitches.  I definitely had a lot of back-up from my defense today, we did pretty good today.”

Lily Riley extended the lead back to two runs in the top half of the fifth inning and again in the top half of the seventh as the Oregon City junior finished with 2RBI’s in the 6-3 Pios win.  Dampening the comeback bids for the hometown McNary team who will look to rebound back Monday at Gresham before facing Sprague Tuesday at home.  Macik finished the day with three strikeouts and Violet Siegel led the McNary offense with two hits.  

Allyson Nordling led Oregon City with 3RBI’s on two hits, one being a three-run home run and had three strikeouts pitching in three innings in the circle.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald