Timpanogos comes on strong

OREM — Even though the Provo Bulldogs took a slim lead in the top of the first inning, they couldn't hold on, and Timpanogos took charge for the easy 11-1 victory.

Tajia Law dominated from the mound for the Timberwolves after the first, as the Bulldogs only achieved one more baserunner but left no one on base as the runner was called out trying to steal.

On the other hand, once they got things rolling, the T-Wolves couldn't be stopped. They pummeled Provo with 12 hits, proving that they are one of the top teams to be reckoned with in Utah Valley.

"It was kind of a nice change to get the bats going after yesterday," said Timpanogos coach Frank Brammell.

The T-Wolves found themselves on the losing end of a double no-hitter against Tooele as they allowed one run to cross the plate without allowing a single hit.

They also improved on another statistic as they only left two runners on base against Provo.

"Up until today we have stranded a lot of runners but today we were able to bring them in," said Brammell, who counted on his No. 2 pitcher Law against the Bulldogs.

Chelsey Brown led all Timpanogos hitters in the outing with two triples, a single, two RBIs and three runs scored. Catcher Rachel Hecker added a pair of doubles and a pair of RBIs to the effort as the T-Wolves collected extra base hits.

The T-Wolves took the lead for good in the second inning when Brown crossed the plate after her first triple. She scored on a wild pitch for what turned out to be the winning run.

Timpanogos didn't score again until the third when Ali Bramwell used her speed to get on base with a bunt single that died in front of the plate in the mud. She stole second before Brown smacked her second triple down the third base line, and Hecker pounded out her first double to deep right. The T-Wolves finished off the inning with a 5-1 lead, and it was just a matter of time before the stingy Timpanogos squad finished the Bulldogs off.

The biggest run came in the bottom of the fourth as singles by Whitney Rode, Megan Bishop and Brown put together with an error, a walk, a passed ball and a couple of wild pitches sent five runs across the plate making the score 9-1. They only needed one more inning as Law added a single, and Bramwell and Hecker punched doubles to invoke the 10-run mercy rule.

The field was barely playable as it became more and more slippery while a mild rain fell in the middle of the contest, but the T-Wolves are used to playing important games in tough weather the last few seasons.

---

E-mail: jolsen@desnews.com