For some reason, when the Stanwood and Oak Harbor fastpitch teams hook up, they have trouble scoring.

The Spartans, for the second time this year, edged Oak Harbor 1-0; this time at Hillcrest Elementary Tuesday, May 4.

When the teams met April 7, Stanwood scored in the bottom of the ninth to squeak out the win. In that game, Stanwood’s Brittany Jeans, the league’s top pitcher, pitched a one-hitter and struck out 20.

The Oak Harbor offense fared a bit better Tuesday as Jeans collected only eight strikeouts and gave up four hits. Marissa Fakkema went 2-for-3, and Morgan Young and Adrea Thomas each singled.

Something about Stanwood brings out the best in Oak Harbor. The Spartans are 10-2 in Wesco play and 13-2 overall; the Wildcats are 0-13, 1-15.

Stanwood picked up the game’s only run in the third inning. The leadoff hitter got aboard, was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, then advanced to third on a ground out. A double plated the run, but the hitter was gunned down at third by a nice play by left fielder Emily Meagher.

Oak Harbor coach Jessica Weikle praised the play of Meagher and center fielder Aria Araceley. She said the pair’s “great play” was the “highlight” of the game and kept the Wildcat’s in the game.

Oak Harbor’s defense, wobbly all season, was solid as the ‘Cats committed just two errors to back up Emily Hunt’s strong pitching performance.

The Wildcats had two good opportunities to score. In the fourth Fakkema reached third with two outs but was left stranded. Then in the fifth, Oak Harbor had Young at third and Thomas at second with on outs but could not push either home.

Oak Harbor travels to Arlington (8-4, 11-5) today, May 5, then hosts Everett (7-5, 10-6) Friday, May 7, at 4 p.m. in the final home game of 2010.