WATERBORO — Despite erasing a four-run deficit to tie the score in the seventh inning, the Massabesic softball team fell to the visiting Gorham Rams 5-4 in the eighth inning Wednesday in the Class A South preliminary round.

Trailing 4-0 in the sixth inning, the Mustangs scored three to bring the deficit within one. Sarah Howe, Sarah Guimond and Morgan Houk earned three straight RBIs to score Massabesic’s runs. Massabesic would then tie the score in the seventh when Lacey Bean reached home on a throwing error to third.

Gorham would score the game-winning run in the eighth off a throwing error that allowed Kathryn Bertin to reach home.

Gorham’s first run came in the first inning on a Noelle Dibiase RBI. The Rams scored again in the fourth on an RBI double from Kali Perry, then added two more in the fifth off an RBI triple from Grace McGouldrick and an RBI from Carli Labreque.

Grace Tutt got the start for Massabesic, pitching five innings and allowing four runs on five hits and striking out four. Guimond pitched the final three innings, allowing no earned runs on just one hit and striking out three.

McGouldrick took the circle for Gorham, pitching all eight innings and allowing four runs on three hits with 10 strikeouts.

Massabesic coach Kevin Tutt was also impressed with McGouldrick’s performance.

“Grace threw well today. I’m not sure if she was spinning the ball or just getting movement, but today it was a pretty wide strike zone and she was throwing enough pitches near the strike zone to get the calls,” said Tutt.

Although Tutt was proud of his team’s fight, he was disappointed in the Mustangs’ quiet start.

“The kids started believing in themselves … it was a little too late,” said Tutt.

The Mustangs also entered Wednesday’s match shorthanded, with multiple players sitting for disciplinary measures.

“There were some things that happened pregame, some kids showed up late and we had to make tough decisions … but we couldn’t go against our philosophy, if we go against our philosophy then the season doesn’t mean a thing,” said Tutt.

Looking ahead, Tutt hopes his young team will continue to improve while carrying some momentum into next spring.

“They did everything I needed them to do, up until the last at bats. Things got tough and they stayed up, that’s all I can ask for,” said Tutt. “We’ve had some successes and we’ve had some failures … we’re not there yet. Offensively and defensively we will get better. The kids know my expectations, hopefully some of them play summer ball and get some reps and are ready come spring.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.