HRV ends Pendleton's run

Freshman Meghan Flem's infield basehit in the bottom of the seventh inning scored Michelle Connors for the only run of the ballgame, helping Talia Hinman pick up the 1-0 victory over Pendleton.

"This is such a big win," said Flem, the team's leading run producer in league play. "I don't know what to say. They are a great team. But this win should really boost our enthusiasm for the playoffs."

Hinman pitched seven strong innings to earn the shutout, and also laid down a key sacrifice bunt in the seventh to move Connors to third base.

HRV (17-8, 12-2 IMC) had just one hit against Pendleton senior Anna Wilcox through the first six innings, but eventually broke her down in the seventh.

Connors cranked a one-out double in the first inning, and then sent a leadoff double to the wall in the seventh to account for two of the Eagles' three hits. The third was Flem's hard-hit grounder up the middle to win it.

"I had a feeling we would beat them," coach Phil Hukari said. "There was just something about today that felt right."

Pendleton (25-1, 13-1 IMC) was shocked by the outcome, but they also gave the Lady Eagles credit.

"They are a good, young team," said Wilcox. "It would have been nice to keep the streak alive, but it's better that we lose now than in the playoffs."

Pendleton will host McNary on Memorial Day, while HRV will take on Aloha at Westside Field. Tentative game time is 1 p.m., but see the May 24 edition of the Hood River News for confirmation.

The Eagles used two hits and a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the seventh inning to score the only run of a