The Lady Patriots softball team from Independence High School shut out the Knights from Ardrey Kell in a non-conference ball game this past Monday night.
Both teams were not able to mount any offense in the first three innings of the contest. However, in the bottom half of the fourth inning the home team was able to put together a string of consecutive hits to score two runs on three hits. Emily Shaver with one out smashed a double, then Brianna Grant followed with another double one hop off the left center field fence, the ball was well played by the Knights left fielder to hold Grant to a double. Anna Easter hit a rocket for the third consecutive double to drive in Grant easily from second to give the Patriots a 2-0 advantage.
In the sixth inning Kingsley Reardon led off with a walk, Emily Shaver followed with a base hit, Maya Douglas smacked another single to drive in Reardon for the RBI. The next batter drove a hard grounder to second and the runner from third scored on the fielders choice. With Anna Easter at bat she drove a single through the infield to drive in the final run of the inning. After six innings of competition the Patriots now had a commanding 5-0 lead going into the seventh and final at bat for the Knights. Getting these insurance runs is always huge and keeps the team loose, confident and focused.
Meanwhile, Kayla Douglas the Patriots ace was throwing a shutout. She struggled in the first inning when she loaded the bases facing the first three batters. However, she settled down and would strikeout the next three hitters to end the threat. During the remainder of the game the Knights were not able to score a run as they stranded two base runners on third base. This young lady has true grit and determination on the mound. She pitched 7 shutout innings, giving up 4 hits, 5 walks, 6 strikeouts while facing all 27 batters on 111 pitches.
Offensively, Emily Shaver went 2-3 with 2 runs scored, Anna Easter 2-3, 2 RBI’s, and Brianna Grant 1-3 with a big double for 2 RBI’s. The Lady Patriots have a big week with conference games against Myers Park and Hickory Ridge at home.
