Rebels rumble past Classics for two more wins

The McCook Rebels were all-business but probably pleased with their doubleheader wins over Cozad Classics Thursday night at McCook’s Jaycees Complex. Rebels Bailee Fawver (left) and Dani Johnson (center) delivered RBIs in game two while Danika Havlicek (right) pitched most of a 4-0 opening victory.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. — McCook Rebel Paige Bortner was hitting like a psycho while approaching really good “cycle” status in Thursday night’s softball action.

At last Gamechanger report, Bortner was three-for-three with a home run, triple and single while driving in six runs as the Rebels 18-and-under led Cozad 12-2.

Most diamond fans know a double would have competed the rarely-seen cycle that softball and baseball hitters valiantly purse at every level.

McCook Rebel Lacyn Keller (6) rips a ball that’s likely going to be problematic on whether Cozad Classics could field it without allowing another hit Thursday.

Maryann Kassner/McCook Gazette

A final score from Thursday’s finale was not obtained, but the Rebels were clearly on their way to an 18-6 season read with two more victories.

The girls took game one from Cozad Classics White, 4-0, as Danika Havlicek struck out six during her 3 2/3 shutout innings in that pitcher’s circle.

Soon-to-be McCook High senior classmate Lacyn Keller recorded that final out.

Catcher Roslyn Wiemers delivered two hits and drove home two Rebel runs.

Brooklyn Gillen doubled, walked and scored two runs. Carly Rupp also touched home in a contest which only reported seven total hits from both teams combined.

Game two was clearly different as the Rebels plated four, three and five runs in three of those first four frames.

Bortner’s three-for-three, six-RBI effort also featured her scoring two runs.

Sydney Hodgson doubled, singled and scored two runs along with another RBI.

Dani Johnson drove in a teammate while smacking two more hits.

Leadoff batter Keller matched Wiemers with three runs scored each.

Keller swiped two bases which topped one apiece from Wiemers, Gillen, Johnson and Hodgson.

Havlicek, Rupp and Bailee Fawver each added another Rebels RBI.

It was more than enough offense for young pitchers Ellie Havlicek and Leighton Anderson.

Ellie threw 2 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and just one earned run.

Anderson struck out a Classic for one of her two outs recorded.

Watch for more results as this summer season hits its home stretch. The McCook Firecracker Softball Tournament is now just two weekends away.