Werden's Stellar Defense Leads Tigers to Triumphant Home Win

When Remi Werden noticed Belleville West’s Taylar McCaster getting set to bunt, Edwardsville's catcher was prepared to spring into action.

“When I see that bat go down, I am immediately popping up and I am either expecting the ball in the air or in the dirt. I’m going to make whatever attempt I can at that ball,” Werden said.

McCaster attempted a bunt but hit a pop-up; Werden caught it to initiate the double play for the Tigers during the second inning.

One of several key plays came from Werden, who contributed to the Tigers' 8-0 victory against the Maroons during Southwestern Conference play on May 6 at the District 7 Sports Complex in Edwardsville.

“Werden excels as a catcher,” remarked Edwardsville’s coach Caty Happe. “She brings immense energy and remarkable speed, which was evident in her ability to make key plays. She is becoming increasingly at ease behind the plate and is having a significant impact.”

Edwardsville has now achieved a record of 18-4, with an undefeated streak of 7-0 within the SWC.

It was the eighth straight win for the Tigers and their 16 ^th straight over the Maroons.

Belleville West has a record of 10-10 overall, with 5-4 in Southwestern Conference play.

The Maroons encountered difficulties during the first inning when Werden managed to tag out a baserunner attempting to steal third base, thus ending the frame.

"I had the ball hit my chest protector. When I looked up, I thought she wasn't making it. So I told her, 'Give it a try,' and ended up throwing her out," Werden stated.

A frame later, Werden continued her stellar performance for the Tigers as she initiated the 2-4 double play to remove yet another baserunner from Belleville West.

“Both plays were pretty awesome, but I really loved that double play,” Werden said.

Following the double play from Werden in the top of the second, the Tigers broke the score tie with an RBI single from Maggie Bray to make it 1-0.

Edwardsville scored four runs on four hits in the third, including a sacrifice fly from Riley Nelson, an RBI double from Audrey De La Torre Cruz and a two-run double from Lily Stone to go ahead 5-0.

“It took us a little while to get warmed up, but then we were able to put balls in play,” Happe said.

Nelson secured the victory from the pitcher’s mound and maintained her shutout by throwing out a runner at home plate on a comebacker during the top of the fourth inning.

Edwardsville added three runs in the bottom of the sixth to go up 8-0. Sophie Antonini had a two-run single and Madi Kolakowski walked with the bases loaded in the inning.

The Tigers outhit the Maroons 11-4.

Stone was 2 for 2 with two RBI, while Antonini was 2 for 3 with an RBI and De La Torre Cruz and Bray each had a hit and RBI.

In improving to 12-2 on the season with her third complete game shutout, Nelson allowed four hits and struck out 10 against three walks in her seven innings of work.

“Riley found a way to get it done,” Happe said. “She had a lot of strikeouts and fought through in some tough situations.”