The Lady Patriots had a big week winning all their games played raising their record to 8-4 on the season. They beat Garinger in a double header at home in two shortened games. In the first ball game the Patriots smacked 10 hits and scored 17 runs in the first three innings to end the contest 17-0.
In the nightcap Independence crushed their opponent 11-0 in just two innings of play. Garinger could not continue to compete after two players suffered injuries and they only had seven players available to play the remainder of the ball game. It’s a shame a high school team cannot compete as many of the Garinger athletes are first time or second year softball players which puts them at a huge disadvantage against experienced teams with good talent such as the Lady Patriots.
This writer gives credit and high praises to the players and coaches at Independence who showed good sportsmanship in not running up the score even more. They showed class and compassion for their opponent who truly should not have been on the same ball field against a highly competitive team.
Anna Easter went 4-5 with multiple walks and 3 RBI’s, Maya Douglas went 3-5 with 3 RBI’s, Emily Shaver, Kingsley Reardon, McKenzie Grant, Tia Montalto, Jaylin Adkins, Kayla Douglas, Brianna Grant, Abrianna Berry and Mallory Shaver all made significant contributions to the blowout. While, Junior hurler Kayla Douglas pitched both ball games of shut-out baseball striking out 12-17 batters she faced giving up just 2 walks in 5 innings.
Meanwhile, on another cold day this past Friday Indy traveled to play local rival Rock River which was expected to be more competitive. However, these Lady Patriots are a hot team at the moment and they jumped all over the Ravens early. They scored 6 runs in the first inning pounding out 6 hits, then followed with 8 more runs in the second that was capped off when freshman catcher Mallory Shaver hit her first career grand slam home run deep over the left field fence. Indy added 2 more runs in the top of the third for a commanding lead. Rocky River showed some grit determined not to be shut-out and scored a run in the bottom half, however, not enough to continue with Indy up 16-1 after three innings of competition. The Patriots ace Kayla Douglas picked up her fourth consecutive win.
