The top-seeded Cardinals took on second place and rival Reed City at home on Monday, in which Big Rapids won game one 9-0 behind three hits and four RBIs from senior Marissa Warren. The Cardinals took an early 2-0 lead in the first, slowly tacked on runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, and added a three-run home run from Warren in the sixth to seal the deal. Jaelynn Schuberg added a triple and a single along with Pharis Carroll notching two singles. Cailin Knoop went seven innings for Big Rapids in the circle, striking out 13 batters and only giving up three hits. 

Isabell Guy started for Reed City, giving up 10 hits and nine runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. She was relieved by Morgan Hammond for the final two outs. Kaylin Goodman, Paityn Enos, and Morgan Hammond each combined for Reed City’s three hits on the night. 

"I was very impressed with our focus and intensity the moment we stepped on the field,” Head coach Dawn Thompson said. “Knoop was dominant on the mound in game one and our hitters were very disciplined at the plate.”

In game two, Reed City fought back scoring the first run of the game in the second inning and added three runs in the top of the third. The Coyotes led 8-5 heading to the bottom of the sixth, where Big Rapids rallied for five runs including three runs following a Reed City fielding error. The Coyotes would start the seventh inning with a single, but three straight strikeouts from Knoop would seal the 10-8 win for Big Rapids.

“Game two was a battle as both teams made some mistakes in the field, but we were able to rally in the bottom of the sixth to get the win,” Thompson said. “Credit Reed City as they bounced back quickly in game two and put the pressure on our defense. They are a good ballclub and are having a great year as well. I am very proud of our girls for their resiliency and fight to win."

Knoop earned her second win of the night following seven innings of work, nine hits, eight runs, and 11 strikeouts. Burga and Taylor led Big Rapids with two hits apiece at the plate, three runs scored, and two RBIs. Caroll and Taylor each had a triple with Brooke-Lynn Burga adding a double.

For Reed City, Guy went five innings and gave up five hits and four earned runs. Hammond relieved the final inning, giving up two hits and four runs with three of them being unearned. Enos led Reed City with two singles and a double with Hadyn Cutler and Guy each adding two hits. Goodman and Cutler each scored twice from Reed City.

Big Rapids moves to 23-1 on the year with Reed City falling to 20-5. Both teams will resume action on Tuesday and Wendesday respectfully.

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