by Warren Kozireski
After watching their 3-0 lead disappear in the sixth inning, Lauren VerSteeg stroked a two-RBI single to center in the top of the seventh as the Rangers defeated host Gates Chili 5-3.
Leading 2-0, Spencerport added to their advantage in the fourth inning. Morgan Schreiner and KC Wolf reached and advanced when Maddie Sperandio hit behind the runners. Shortstop Abby Amering then laced an RBI single scoring Schreiner for the third run.
Gates Chili tied the game in their half of the sixth with one run crossing on a wild pitch and two more on a two-out RBI double.
But Spencerport rallied in the seventh. Amering led off the inning with an infield single and third baseman Bailee Yaeger, who ended several rallies with solid defensive plays, reached on a bunt single. Both moved up a base when the ball was misplayed.
VerSteeg, who got new life when her foul pop was dropped, then hit her game-winning two RBI single to center scoring Amering and Yaeger for a 5-3 lead.
Abbie Hibsch came on in relief of winning pitcher Emilee Yaeger and allowed a one-out base runner, but retired the final two batters on infield outs to register the save.
