FORT DODGE | For two hours the Charles City Comets fought, but would fall short to the Ballard Bombers, 5-1.

From the scoreboard, its hard to tell, but the game they left behind Thursday was a tough one as the Bombers would capitalize on their short game to scatter the defense.

At the top of the first, Ballard freshman Skylar Rigbys walk put a runner on base at the top of the order. Following two fly-outs, Rigby stood at second when freshman Isabel Hobbs was up to bat. Sophomore Samantha Heyer fired another pitch, missing junior catcher Ciana Sonbergs glove. Rigby was in full sprint, as she rounded third Charles City junior Tayler Schmidt stood inside the foul line. Rigby pushed Schmidt down with her arms in full extension. Schmidt collapsed to the ground as Rigby scored the first run 1-0.

I just saw her in my base path and knew I had an opportunity to score, Rigby said. I knew I had to get it done for my teammates.

That was just the start of it. Heyer struggled to connect with Sonberg at the circle as wild pitches and passed balls would add to the score.

The second inning lasted 30 minutes as the Charles City defense struggled to find a rhythm. Following sophomore Karlee Ahrenholtzs strikeout, Hannah Elliott lit the bat with a chopper to left. Bella Johnson followed suit with a short single to right. Elliott stole second and advanced to third on Johnsons single, then scored on a passed ball, 2-0.

Jenna Moodys bunt tricked the infield, allowing her to reach second on error and Johnson to run home, 3-0. The Comets shifted their defense a few steps closer to the infield.

Theyre a really good bunting team, Comet head coach Brian Bohlen said. Some of them were really outstanding bunts that most teams arent going to field. They just put the ball where we couldnt get to it and thats just testament to how good of a team they are.

Moody didnt stay on base long, scoring on a wild pitch for a 4-0 score. Abby Carlin drew a walk to load the bases and Rigby would run home on a wild pitch, 5-0.

The Comets only score would come from a solo home run by senior Sara Martin in the bottom of the second, giving the crowd hopes of a comeback. But the Comets would amass five hits to the Bombers nine, leaving runners stranded in scoring positions in the following innings.

As the game neared the two-hour mark, Ballard scored one more time on a wild pitch in the bottom of the sixth to make it 6-1.

Heyer finished with six strikeouts, four walks and five earned runs, but she stood tall as she exited the field.

I made some mistakes that were crucial, but were going to fight for third place tomorrow, Heyer said. Its amazing that we can possibly be one of the top four teams in the state, and thats such an honor even if we arent in the championship game. That also leaves goals for next year, too.

The Comets will take on Oskaloosa at 9:30 a.m. Friday for third place in Class 4A.

Reach sports reporter Leah Vann at 641-421-0526.

Follow her on twitter at @GG_LeahVann

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STATE SOFTBALL: Comets fall short in State Semifinal - Mason City Globe Gazette