The Dragons jumped out to a five-run lead in the bottom of the first inning in a contest that was originally scheduled as a Warren home game at Legion Field, but field conditions necessitated the move to Werner Park. The biggest hit in that rally was a two-run single by Alexis Jones.

Eisenhower cut the deficit to 5-2 before Warren added a run in the third inning to take a 6-2 lead.

With the Knights trailing 6-3 in the sixth inning and the bases loaded, Nelson, who had never hit a home run before, needed all of one pitch and she sent over the center field fence for a grand slam to give Eisenhower a 7-6 lead. That advantage was short-lived, however, as an error allowed the Dragons to get the lead back 8-7.

It was Caitlyn Pikna’s turn as Eisenhower flipped the game when Caitlyn Pikna smacked a three-run single to give the Knights an 11-8 lead. Nelson drew a bases-loaded walk to add an insurance run.

Photo by Mark Evans Warren’s Tori Solberg reaches to field a chance in the outfield.

Eisenhower’s Sammie Childs started in the circle for Eisenhower and went six innings and gave up six earned runs, struck out seven and walked two. Abbie Darr pitched one inning of relief and struck out two. Offensively, Nelson had five RBIs, and Abbie Darr, Marli Rectenwald and Pikna each had two hits.

“I am super proud of the girls,” Knights head coach Neal Kent said. “We had to battle back twice, and the girls played through a couple of setbacks. Childs and Darr both pitched great and Morgan Zaffino had another good game at first base. I hope this game serves as a spark for us with league play starting this week.”

In junior varsity action Eisenhower defeated Warren 18-4. Sophia DePasqaule had a single and a double; Peyton Kirby had a double and two singles; and Cierra Melquist had two singles and was the winning pitcher.

The Knights welcome Corry to Werner Park today for a 4 p.m. game.