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By Jed Blackwell

Polk County didn’t do much at the plate during Tuesday’s softball game against Patton.

The Wolverines didn’t have to. 

Sarah Vitale tossed a strong game in the circle and Polk County took advantage of a couple of Patton miscues in a three-run third inning to take a 3-1 win in a pivotal Mountain Foothills 7 matchup.

“That’s a great win for us,” Polk County coach Phillip Miller said. “We didn’t play well hitting-wise, but honestly, we took advantage of the opportunities that we had.”

Polk County (1-6, 4-3) made all the noise it needed in the third inning. Aslyn Scruggs and Mia Bradley hit back-to-back singles, Junie Mitchell reached on an error and a clutch two-out double by Elizabeth Vitale cleared the bases for the Wolverines.

“They made an error, Liz came up with a great hit, and we took advantage of it,” Miller said. “That’s what you’ve got to do in a close game.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Vitale was cruising. She held the Panthers to three hits and struck out five, allowing just a single run in the fifth inning on an error and an RBI single. 

Miller said Vitale’s performance has been bolstered by having a second arm in Tory Coile, which has helped the Wolverines keep opponents off balance.

“It’s paid off great,” Miller said. “Last year, Sarah just had to throw all the time. Now, when she comes out she throws well. And then Tory comes out and goes as far as she can, and Sarah finishes it up. I think she’s a hundred times better at this point in the year than she was last year, and it’s just because we can rest her a little. It helps them both be sharper and fresher.”

Coming down the stretch, that’s helped Polk move into a good position.

“We’re right where we wanted to be,” Miller said. “We’ve got seven games left, and if we win two of them, we’re guaranteed a home playoff game. Honestly, our goal is right where we want it to be right now.”