By Josh McFadden | [email protected]

In softball, it’s not uncommon to find dominant defensive teams or prolific offensive teams. When a team puts it all together it can be dangerous. The Bingham softball team has been terrific in both areas most of the season.

Heading into its April 17 game at Westlake, the Miners were a perfect 6-0 in Region 4 and 7-2 overall. Mother Nature has made it difficult to get games in as scheduled, but it hasn’t stopped Bingham from trouncing opponents with a devastating combination of effective hitting, excellent fielding and efficient pitching.

The Miners racked up double digits in runs in five of their first nine games, including a season-high (up to that point) 16 runs in a shutout victory over Lone Peak on March 20. Sophomore Aubree Hogan has had her way at the plate. During the team’s first nine games, she hit five home runs and five doubles. Her sister Sidnee, just a freshman, hit a triple and three doubles during that span.

Most teams have had a difficult time getting on the board. Senior pitcher Nicole Wall won four of her first five games, and Nicole Wallace and Karly Wightman each won games on the mound.

During the first nine games, the Miners blanked three opponents and held three others to a single run. Only twice during this time frame did Bingham surrender more than two runs. On average, Bingham outscores opponents 10-2.

Region 4 only has five teams, so all but one school will qualify for the Class 6A state tournament. The Miners got off to a great start in the league race. Bingham, which went 12-0 in Region 3 of Class 5A last season, is looking for its third consecutive region championship. The Miners also went undefeated in Region 3 in 2016.

The Miners enjoyed a successful return to action following spring break. They shut out Westlake 14-0 on April 10 and routed American Fork 16-1 two days later. Bingham allowed just three runs in its first six region contests.

Bingham plays each region foe three times. Unlike baseball however, high school softball teams don’t play triple-headers.

The Miners finish the regular season May 8 at home against Lone Peak. The 6A state tournament will begin May 15 when higher-seeded teams will host opponents in the first and second rounds of the double-elimination playoffs. From May 22–24, the tournament moves to the Valley complex in Taylorsville.

The Miners last won a state title in 2010 win it defeated Roy to win the 5A crown.