One-run margins in key Division I softball games set the tone for a competitive weekend on the DODEA-Europe diamonds.

SoftballRamstein 15/19, Vilseck 14/11: Saturday at Ramstein, the Royals outlasted a tough Falcons squad.

Ramstein used a seven-run sixth inning to negate a Vilseck lead late in the opener. The Royals needed another rally in the seventh, scoring three runs to overlap the Falcons’ four-run half of the inning.

The defending champion Royals needed another late push to complete the sweep. Ramstein scored 12 runs over the final two innings to earn the victory.

Ramstein’s Savannah Sparrow notched seven hits in nine at-bats and totaled five runs and four RBI on the day. Cooper Lazo went eight-for-nine with five runs and three RBI to pace Vilseck.

Kaiserslautern 13/11, Wiesbaden 6/10: Saturday at Wiesbaden, the Raiders eked out a sweep over the host Warriors with a one-run late win.

The perfect weekend was the first of the season for Kaiserslautern after doubleheader splits against Spangdahlem and Vilseck. The Raiders will look to continue their momentum next weekend as SHAPE and Lakenheath pay respective Friday and Saturday visits.

Sigonella wins three of four: The Jaguars were the standout team of the weekend’s four-team small-school softball meet.

Sigonella cruised Friday with a 12-3 defeat of Aviano and a 9-1 win over Rota. Jessica Jacobs hit a two-run home run in each game to lead the way.

Rota claimed its revenge on Saturday, edging the Jaguars 3-2 behind a strong pitching effort by Grace Lagger. Sigonella avoided a winless Saturday with a close 8-7 win over Aviano.

Vicenza 19/7, Naples 9/12: At Naples, Italy’s two Division I rivals played to a doubleheader stalemate.

Vicenza bested the Wildcats by double digits on Friday before succumbing to a close loss on Saturday. Moriah Sherer went three-for-three on Saturday to lead Naples.

BaseballRamstein 12/10, Vilseck 1/3: Saturday at Ramstein, the defending champion Royals had no trouble with the visiting Falcons.

Ramstein scored eight runs over the final two innings of the opening rout, then built a 6-2 lead through three innings of the nightcap.

Christopher Guzaldo drove in two runs in the first game and notched three hits in the latter. Ethan Smith produced three hits and two RBI in the late game.

The sweep is the second of the year for the Royals, including a March 30 set against Wiesbaden. The reigning champs have split doubleheaders with SHAPE and Stuttgart.

Naples 3/15, Vicenza 1/1: At Naples, the Wildcats held the Cougars to just two runs in as many games in a thorough doubleheader sweep.

Gabe Quejada pitched a gem in Friday’s low-scoring win, yielding just four hits while striking out 12. Omar Lopez had more run support to work with Saturday in a two-hit, nine-strikeout performance.

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