RUMFORD – The pitching duel that highlighted the early innings eventually disappeared as Madison pulled away by scoring six runs in the sixth inning en route to an 8-3 win over the Mountain Valley Falcons in a softball game Monday.

Mountain Valley (0-4) remained competitive and trailed 2-1 on Shawnee Akers’ RBI-single. A costly mistake opened the floodgates for the Bulldogs, who remained patient and were able to wait out Falcon pitcher Shelby Moore. Four of the six runs came courtesy of free passes.

“Shelby was strong early in the game,” Mountain Valley coach Brian Mills said. “They took advantage of our mistakes, and you’ve got to make the routine plays. Once Madison pulled ahead I think Shelby ran out of gas.”

Madison (2-2) began with a single by Lauren Bean to lead off the sixth, and Armanda Stoutamyer walked and Erin Abbott reached on an infield error. Moore recorded a strikeout, but three runs trotted home on walks. Jessica Hyden was hit with a pitch and Moore was lifted in favor of Lindsey Gallant.

“We were patient at the plate,” Madison coach Al Venziano said. “(Moore) had held us in check throughout the game and by the sixth inning it paid off. On the defensive side the girls made the plays.”

Madison pitcher Brittany Lightbody threw a complete game six-hitter and retired nine straight batters at one point. The Bulldog defense stood firm and barely missed a beat. Mountain Valley had threatened when Rebecca Cushman and Gallant each singled with two outs in the fifth. Unfortunately, it ended when Elana Waite’s slicing line drive was snared by Abbott down the right-field line.

“Britany threw well and was around the plate,” Venziano said. “I also think she was confident with her fielders.”

Class B Mountain Valley scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth when Natalie LaPointe scored on Moores triple. Emily Davis had an RBI-ground out. Savanna Ford singled, but Vanessa Cayer grounded out.

“We just couldn’t string any hits together,” Mills said. “So we didn’t have many chances with runners on base. Still, the girl’s battled, and they had a chance late in the game. We host Monmouth on Wednesday and it’s a big game, like this game was and we need to get some thing going.”