Hellgate rallies by Flathead in AA softball

MISSOULA — A two-run fifth inning put Flathead back in front 3-2, but Missoula Hellgate answered with three runs in the bottom half of the inning for a 5-3 Western AA softball victory on Friday evening.

Hellgate pitcher Haleigh Irwin limited Flathead to two hits.

Hellgate tallied nine hits against Bravettes pitcher Maitlynn Betts.

Betts and Allyssa Cadwalader had RBIs for Flathead.

Flathead’s next action is Thursday versus Glacier at Kidsports Complex. It’s the final regular-season game for both teams with state tournament playoff action to follow.

Glacier beat Flathead earlier this season in doubleheader play, 6-3 and 9-5.

Flathead 010 020 0 — 3 2 2

Hellgate 011 030 x — 5 9 2

WP – Haleigh Irwin. LP – Maitlynn Betts.

Hits – Flathead: Karissa Comer, Allyssa Cadwalader; Hellgate: Elise Marquardt, Drayla Haran, Kathryn Shipley 3 (2B, 3B), Bella Starratt 2, Jaiden Resner, Irwin.

RBI – Flathead: Betts, Cadwalader; Hellgate: Shipley 2, Starratt 2, Resner.

Polson 28, Browning 0

BROWNING — Kaelyn Smith homered for the second-straight game and Kaylanna DesJarlais also had one as Polson belted Browning in a Northwest A contest.

Smith, Quinn Motichka and Lauren Bitterman had four hits each.

DesJarlais went 3 for 3 and also doubled.

Polson (10-4, 6-0) outhit Browning 26-2.

Marina Mayorga, Vanessa Kent, Lexi Orien and Lisa Costilla had two hits each.

Polson is back in action Tuesday at Whitefish.

A complete softball box score was not available.