Gabe Stark
Reporter

Trenton High School softball saw its three-game winning streak come to an end against Lathrop, but the Bulldogs continued to show positives on both sides of the ball in an 11-1 loss.

The setback moved Trenton to 3-2 on the season, matching Lathrop’s record.

Trenton stayed close early after Lathrop scored once in the top of the first inning. Morgan Smith answered for the Bulldogs in the second, belting a solo home run to tie the game at 1-1.

Smith accounted for both of Trenton’s hits, finishing 2-for-2 with the home run, one RBI, one run scored and a walk. She reached base in all three of her plate appearances.

Lathrop regained the lead with a run in the third before breaking the game open with six runs in the fourth. The Mules added three more in the sixth.

Despite the final score, Trenton Head Coach Maddison Stillwell said the Bulldogs produced several impressive moments in the field.

“We did make some amazing defensive plays,” Stillwell said. “Two diving stops, and a throw out at home plate and second base!”

Emma Welch worked four innings in the circle for Trenton and struck out six. She allowed five hits and two walks, with only one of the eight runs charged to her being earned.

Kimberly Clark pitched the final two innings and added two strikeouts.

The loss followed a successful weekend in which Trenton captured first place at the Marshall Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 29.

The Bulldogs opened the tournament with a 3-0 win over Warrensburg behind a strong performance from Welch, who struck out 10 while allowing three hits and two walks. Makkie Mejia led the offense by going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

Trenton followed with a 14-2 victory over Knob Noster, pounding out 18 hits and stealing seven bases. Clark went 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs, while Betsy Price finished 3-for-3 and scored twice.

The Bulldogs then defeated Marshall 9-4 in the championship game. Clark went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run, while Welch earned another victory in the circle with 10 strikeouts.

Stillwell said the Bulldogs are approaching each game — regardless of the result — as another opportunity to improve for the postseason.

“We continue to work,” Stillwell said. “When we are winning, we work. Even when losing, we work. Every at bat, every pitch, we are still working to get better for the post season game.”

Stillwell said the early-season schedule is helping prepare Trenton for stronger competition later in the year.

“Every game before then, win or lose, is preparing us to be better for post season,” Stillwell said. “We have to keep working to take on those bigger schools and compete.”

Trenton will have another opportunity to measure itself against a common opponent when the Bulldogs travel to Savannah next week for a 4:30 p.m. game. Savannah handed Lathrop one of its two losses this season.