Softball: No. 1 Baldwin-Woodville uses big fifth to beat Ellsworth

Everything fell apart in a hurry Monday for Ellsworth in the fifth inning against No. 1-ranked Baldwin-Woodville in Baldwin.

The Blackhawks (21-1, 14-0 Middle Border) scored 11 of their 12 runs in the fifth and went on to win 12-1 in five innings. The Panthers (14-5, 11-4 Middle Border) and Baldwin-Woodville remained tied at 1-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, but nine Ellsworth errors led the Blackhawks to victory.

Katie Thompson hit a home run and drove in three runs for Baldwin-Woodville. Heidi Hinz and Abby Klopp both drove in two runs each. Hinz finished 3-for-4.

Klopp struck out seven and gave up six hits for the win.

The Panthers scored their lone run in the fourth inning to take a 1-0 lead that never held up. The Blackhawks responded immediately and never trailed again.

Ellsworth faces St. Croix Central to begin the regional playoffs Thursday in Ellsworth.

Tags: sports, prep, softball, ellsworth