OMAHA — Tatum Tempelmeyer’s RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning propelled No. 4-rated Beatrice to a 1-0 victory over No. 3 Hastings in Monday’s Class B state softball championship game at Connie Claussen Field.
With the game scoreless after seven innings, the international tiebreaker came into play, placing a runner at second base to start the eighth. Lady Orange courtesy runner McKenna Loomis advanced to third on a Kassidy Henrichs’ sacrifice bunt and after a strikeout, Tempelmeyer delivered the walk-off hit up the middle.
Through seven innings, it was a pitcher’s duel between Hastings’ Ella Tinsman and Layla Boyko of the Lady Orange. Boyko earned the win, pitching eight shutout innings while allowing five hits and two walks with eight strikeouts.
Tinsman suffered a tough-luck loss in the circle. The Tigers’ freshman struck out 15 and walked none in 7 2/3 innings of work, giving up three hits and one run.
At the plate, MaKenzie Nollette hit a double and Pyper Witte, Grayce Beck, Madison Wenzl and Emily Kratzer all added singles for Hastings (31-8). Sadie Hereth was 2 for 3 with a double, to pace the Lady Orange (30-5).
Hastings was making its 13 appearance in the state tournament and its third trip to the championship game. The Tigers also finished as the Class B runner-up in 2020 and 2021.
Beatrice 1, Hastings 0
Hastings (31-8)
000
000
00—0
5
1
Beatrice (30-5)
000
000
01—1
3
0
W—Layla Boyko. L—Ella Tinsman. 2B—Hastings, MaKenzie Nollette; Beatrice, Sadie Hereth.
