Softball: DeKalb’s big inning beats Yorkville

One big DeKalb inning Tuesday doomed Yorkville and pitcher Rachael Owens.

The Barbs struck for six runs and seven of their eight hits in the third off the Foxes’ sophomore starter, who went four innings and one batter before giving way to Lauren Rhodes (one hit, three innings) in the 8-2 setback.

“She just gets in a streak sometimes and this inning, she gave up six runs,” said Yorkville coach Kathi Dockstader of her No. 1 starter. “Sometimes she does very well. I think it’s mental with her and not just her, but our whole team.”

The decision drops the Foxes to 14-11 overall and 5-3 in the Northern Illinois Big 12 East.

“We are very capable of playing with the best teams around,” continued Dockstader, “but if they’re not gonna have their heads in it, obviously it’s not gonna go well.”

Sophomore left fielder Lindsey Costilow had a two-run double to highlight the outburst by the Barbs (17-8, 5-4).

The beneficiary was sophomore pitcher Katie Kowalski, who scattered seven Foxes’ hits while striking out two and walking one.

“She’s been out with an arm injury,” DeKalb coach Jeff Davis said of the youngster who pitched his veteran team to the Elite Eight of the Class 4A playoffs last year as a freshman. DeKalb drops to 3A this year and is the top seed at the Burlington Central Regional.

“We’ve been trying to nurse her and get her healthy,” continued Davis, explaining his ace’s shoulder injury.

“It almost sounds silly. She had a personal trainer this year and came in 20 pounds heavier with more muscle mass, but the doctor said her tendons didn’t grow with the muscles and she’s gotta wait for them to catch up.”

Gabby Rowe and Courtney Thomas accounted for Yorkville’s runs in the fourth with a fielder’s choice and a single.

“We’re having a decent season,” said Dockstader. “But it’s like they’re satisfied with being OK instead of getting to the next level. We’ve had games where we are clicking on all cylinders and other games, it’s a struggle. We didn’t play bad, we just didn’t string our hits together.”

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