YATES CENTER — The usual suspects led the way for Humboldt High’s softball team in its 15-0 and 20-0 wins over Yates Center.
Cub coach Brad Piley picked up his 200th career victory, and leaned on his stalwarts to lead the way.
“I was really happy that we were a part of that,” Humboldt catcher MaKaylah McCall said. “Piley is an amazing coach. He pretty much did that for himself because we are able to play at the level we are thanks what he teaches us.”
All-state pitcher Courtney Richey threw four perfect innings before the first game’s 15-0 victory was called. Richey overpowered the Wildcat lineup with seven strikeouts.
Piley was complementary of the way McCall has embraced her catching role in her first season behind the plate.
“It takes someone special to be able to catch Courtney with as much as she moves the ball and as hard as she can throw it,” Piley said.
It took some adjustment for McCall to get used to the speed . Now it has become second nature.
“You have to have fast reflexes,” McCall said. “At first, I’ll admit, I was a little scared but now it is a habit and I don’t even have to call pitches, I just know where they are going and we just get each other perfectly.”
Richey and McCall each hit home runs in the game two 20-0 thrashing. The pair of wins moves Humboldt’s record to 8-0.
“They have been consistent all year and being pitcher and catcher they work well together,” Piley said.
McCall was the offensive star in game two. She finished the game 4-for-4 with a home run, two triples and a double. Richey was not far behind with a 4-for-4 night including a home run, two triples and a single.
Many teams that with an all-state caliber pitcher use her as much as possible.
Yet Piley always has an eye to the future and sophomore Rylan Wilhite has been his game two starter all season.
“We have to pitch her because if Courtney gets hurt, she has to be ready to step in,” Piley said. Rylan is taking the reins … She is going to be my main horse next year.”
It helps make that decision easier considering that that Wilhite has been nearly as dominant as Richey. On Thursday, Wilhite threw four shutout innings, allowed four hits and struck out a pair of Wildcats.
“I love it, because we have a different variety,” McCall said. “Some teams come in thinking that Courtney is going to pitch the second game and they are like, ‘I got to be ready with fast reflexes.’ And then Rylan comes in and she still has good speed, but Rylan has amazing spin on her balls. I feel like she is just as good as Courtney, except for speed-wise.”
