FRENCHTOWN – For as many games as the Lady Pirates win in five innings via the 10-run rule, they sure do look comfortable playing in close contests. 

Polson’s 2-1 win Friday over Butte Central was the Lady Pirates’ seventh straight win. More impressively, Polson is 3-0 this season in games decided by one run. Polson’s previous tight-margined victories came against high-quality opponents Frenchtown and Columbia Falls, and the Butte Central Maroons were no different.

“We were pushed, and we needed to be pushed,” said Polson’s manager Larry Smith. “We faced a good team [in Butte Central]. Everything counted. The defense couldn’t make mistakes and our pitching had to be strong.”

In games where mistakes are magnified, the Lady Pirates thrive, especially Shalaina Duford. Polson’s senior ace dazzled again, giving up one run on three hits and striking out ten. 

Polson held a 1-0 lead until the Maroons strung together two hits in the fifth, tying the game at one. However, when you’re the three-time defending state champions, tie games can often feel like you’re the team with the advantage. 

In the top of the sixth, Polson’s Taylor Brackey tripled, putting herself in scoring position with just one out. Just doing enough to win, the next batter Sarah Rausch would bounce a ground ball to the shortstop. Fielding the ball deep in the hole, Brackey broke to the plate and the shortstop fired home, but the throw was late and Brackey slid under the tag and scored, putting Polson up 2-1. 

The one run lead was more than enough as Duford slammed the door in the sixth and seventh innings, preserving the 2-1 win. 

Polson improved to 9-1 on the season, but will face a gauntlet of talented teams coming up this week. On Tuesday, Polson will host visiting Glacier – who is a competitive class AA team. Next, Polson visits Frenchtown Thursday in a district rematch of the Lady Pirates’ 7-6 win over the Broncs April 4. Polson well then travel back to Polson to face Brie Clifford and her Hamilton Broncs.

These next three games will bring some clarity to the competitive western region. Another Polson win over Frenchtown will all but cement the Lady Pirates Northwestern A district crown and make them the clear favorite for a fourth consecutive title. A Frenchtown win over Polson would draw the two clubs even in the district. 

The pivotal game against Frenchtown will have the Lady Pirates’ full attention, but Larry Smith knows not to overlook their game against Glacier. 

“I know [the Frenchtown game] is on their minds,” said Smith. “This game was on their mind ever since the first time we played them. But we have a huge game in front of us against Glacier, who may be just as good as Frenchtown is.”