ARLINGTON — In what could be considered a showdown between two of Wesco North’s top pitchers, Stanwood emerged from the March 27 meeting with a 2-0 win.

“It was a very competitive game, real tight,” said Arlington softball coach Dan Eng. “It came down to one pitching mistake. Christina Rayner gave up a home run with a runner on.”

The hit came in the top of the seventh inning from Stanwood pitcher Corinne Stillman who, along with Rayner, is considered one of the league’s top returning pitchers from last spring.

Twice earlier in the game, Arlington had runners on base and in solid position to score. In the fifth inning, Kirsten Wright singled and advanced to third thanks in part to a single by Allie Milless. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Amanda Lyon and Lisa Allen both singled.

Neither found home.

Arlington tried to rally in the bottom of the seventh, starting with their eighth batter. The Eagles had Wright and Milless up, both of whom had hits earlier in the game. But Stanwood closed strong, forcing the girls to fly out to center field.

Rayner was competitive on the mound, earning 14 strikeouts against the Spartans.

“It was a very tight game. I’m very happy with the team,” Eng said.

The meeting was Arlington’s league opener. The girls played Everett and Marysville-Pilchuck after the Times went to press.