Game 1: Midland 13, Alpena 0

In the opener, the Wildcats struggled to find their offense against Midland’s Sydney Rhoton, who threw a five-inning no-hitter, striking out six and walking two. Alpena was held hitless.

Paige Samp started in the circle for Alpena, pitching three innings, allowing seven hits and eight runs (five earned) while striking out three and walking three.

Ava Rospierski came on in relief for two innings, giving up five hits and five runs (four earned) with two walks and one strikeout.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Laura Poli stands ready at the plate on Saturday. Alpena played Midland, losing both games. Their next game is Tuesday at home against Traverse City Central.

Alpena committed three errors in the game, with Lilly Rospierski, Georgia Alberts, and Emalee Parsons each being charged one.

Game 2: Midland 13, Alpena 5

The Wildcats responded with more energy and offensive production in game two.

After Midland jumped out to an early lead, Alpena answered back.

Paige Samp and Maddie Spomer scored in the bottom of the first inning, with Spomer driving in a run with one of her two hits on the day. Samp and Addison Christensen also recorded two hits apiece, with Christensen scoring once as well.

News Photo by Leslianne Johns Ava Rospierski stands ready in the field during a softball game against Midland on Saturday. The Wildcats lost both games of their home doubleheader.

Alpena briefly took the lead in the second inning after capitalizing on a Midland error to go up 4-3. However, Midland’s offense, which finished the game with nine hits, pulled away in the later innings.

Alpena totaled six hits in game two, with Spomer leading the way at two-for-four with an RBI.

In the circle, Samp pitched the first three innings, giving up six hits and eight runs (five earned) with three walks and three strikeouts. Spomer came in for two innings of relief, allowing three hits and five runs (four earned) with four walks and two strikeouts.

Despite committing three more errors in the second game, the Wildcats continued to fight, turning a clean defensive double play to halt a Midland rally. The team also showed more discipline at the plate, drawing four walks.

The Wildcats will now host Traverse City Central on Tuesday.