Warsaw’s Sid Hernandez is all smiles as she heads home after belting a three-run home run Wednesday.

MISHAWAKA – Warsaw softball coach Jim Speicher could not have asked for a better start to the season opener Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, though, a great start didn’t turn into a fine finish in the end for the Tigers.

Host Mishawaka never batted an eye after spotting Warsaw a 5-0 lead after the top of the first inning.

The Cavemen did bat the ball around the diamond in rallying for a 15-5 victory in five innings in the season opener for both teams on Emery Petko Field at Ward Baker Park.

Mishawaka scored eight runs in the home half of the fifth frame as winning pitcher Nichole Linner capped the contest by blasting a walk off three-run homer to end the game due to the 10-run rule.

The storyline in large part was the same for the Tigers as a year ago. Warsaw committed six errors in the loss. The Tigers had 98 errors last season as they finished 9-18.

“This was kind of my expectation,” said Speicher. “We have to grow up and play better defense. I don’t know if we will or not. We knew what to do today.  We just didn’t execute.

“We are not very confident right now. Fortunately it’s game one. We need to get in reps in practice. We’ve only been outside twice before today.”

“Our pitchers threw okay today. We just got beat in front of the base lines by not making plays.”

Kaleigh Speicher eyes a pitch. The senior had two doubles for the Tigers in a 15-5 loss at Mishawaka.

Things looked great for Warsaw in their first at-bat. A three-run blast to right center by junior Sid Hernandez capped a five-run frame. Kaleigh Speicher smashed an RBI double off the fence and Kara Dishman added an RBI single.

“We were ready to play and got some nice hits in that first inning,” Speicher said. “We had good senior leadership.”

Mishawaka, which finished 18-11 last year, responded right away. The speedy top of the order for the Cavemen loaded the bases on a walk, an error and a bunt single. Cleanup hitter and senior captain Hailey Allison then crushed a two-run triple. Linner also had an RBI single in the inning as the Cavemen pulled within 5-4.

“We were going to score at least a run or two in that first no matter what,” said Mishawaka coach Brian Miller. “Our top three hitters are as quick as we’ve ever had and they know how to run the bases. If those jackrabbits get on base for us, our others in the middle will pop the ball.”

The Cavemen tied the game at 5-5 with a single run in the second frame. The hosts manufactured a run with a two-out infield single, followed by two stolen bases and a Warsaw error.

Mishawaka plated a pair in the third to take a 7-5 lead. Payton Huling started the uprising with a triple and scored on a fine bunt by Crystal Markiewicz. Alexis White then stroked an RBI single. The hosts ended the game with an eight spot in the fifth. Olivia Chrobot had a two-run single in the frame, which included three Warsaw errors.

Whitney Sleeth winds up for Warsaw Wednesday.

“This is a nice first win for us,” Miller said. “The nice thing is that everyone contributed. We talk about win the inning and quality at bats. Today we accomplished most of our goals.

“The chemistry of this team is really, really good. We’re just trying to sharpen our pencil right now for the NIC.”

Warsaw and Mishawaka did not play last season as their game was cancelled due to weather. The Tigers had their scrimmage last week cancelled and season opener on Monday at South Bend Riley postponed. Mishawaka had its scheduled season opener at Jimtown this past Saturday postponed.

Linner, a junior, settled down to throw an outstanding game after the first inning. She retired 12 in a row at one point, including getting Warsaw 1-2-3 in the second, third and fourth innings.

“Once she settled down, changed speeds and hit spots, Nichole pitched a great game tonight,” remarked Miller.

Senoior Whitney Sleeth went the first four innings in the circle for Warsaw. Junior Taylor Stiver pitched the final frame for the Tigers.

Senior Kaleigh Speicher led the offense with a pair of doubles.

Warsaw (0-1) is off until playing at East Noble April 15.  Mishawaka (1-0) plays at West Noble Friday.

Sid Hernandez is mobbed by her Warsaw teammates after her first-inning home run.