Eastside Softball Suffers Run-Rule Loss To Cedar Key

The Eastside Rams softball team couldn’t keep Cedar Key from scoring Friday and the end result was a 17-5 defeat in four innings.

From the very beginning, it was clear to Eastside player parents and team fans that it would be a frustrating game. With many dropped balls in the first inning, the top of the second started with the Sharks (1-1) leading 5-2. 

The teams traded three-run innings to make the score 8-5 entering the third, when Cedar Key began to separate by outscoring Eastside 9-0 over the next two innings.

“A lot of people just kept getting in their head,” Rams junior Ste’keriyonna Johnson said.

Endless Support

Despite the constant cheering in the Rams’ dugout,  the lack of hustle in the outfield proved to be a consistent issue.

“Everybody be ready, no matter where you are,” a parent on the Rams’ bleacher shouted after a brutal third inning. 

While the Rams (1-3-1) might have been disconnected, the parents and fans were not. Parents continued to cheer, reminding the players they were there in support throughout the game. With each mistake the team made, the bleachers continued to get louder with support. 

Looking Ahead

The mercy rule ended the game after four innings. The Rams did show production at the plate with seven hits in scoring five runs.

EHS defeated Wildwood 12-9 to open the season, were edged 6-5 by Clermont Real Life Christian Academy, had a game at Saint Francis end at 10-10 because of darkness before being routed by Citra North Marion 20-1 and the Sharks.

Eastside’s slow start can be attributed to many of the girls playing in their first season, according to Johnson.

The Rams play at Countryside Christian (1-2) at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Post-game interview with Eastside junior Ste’keriyonna Johnson after their loss against Cedar Key. pic.twitter.com/rSrn11PMh8

— Abagail Price (@abagail_pr88247) March 2, 2025