Mia Gwynn bunts for a hit for the Raiders in an 11-0 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

No. 3 Midway won an 11-0 rout over visiting No. 4 Martin County in five innings Tuesday night in the first game of the NCHSAA 2-A softball playoffs Eastern Regional final to take the advantage in the best-of-three series.

“They were very focused and ready and wanted it really, really bad,” said Midway coach Susan Clark. “And it showed at the plate.”

Junior Sarah Autry pitched the complete game shutout for the Raiders (20-3), giving up no runs on two hits and no walks, with 10 strikeouts.

“Sarah was on,” coach Clark said. “She had their number and they never caught up to her. She did awesome.”

Junior Kiley Ives had two hits, including a double, three RBIs and two runs scored, freshman Kyleigh Stonerock had two hits, including a double, one RBI and one run scored, and sophomore Peyton Herring had two hits, one RBI and one run scored to lead Midway at the plate.

Eva McLamb had one hit, one RBI, and one run scored. Mia Gwynn had one hit and two runs scored. Mollie Bass had one hit. Ella Clark had two runs scored. Jordie Christopher and Veronica Tart scored one run apiece.

“We’ve been focusing on our swings and being purposeful with our swings,” coach Clark said. “We had a game plan going into the game of what to do and they did great.”

Junior Whitney Stevens was the lone player to reach base for the Knights (25-3), with a pair of base hits.

The game took a big turn in Midway’s favor in the bottom of the second inning when the Raiders plated six runs on four hits and two walks, highlighted by a bases-clearing three-run double from Ives.

The Raiders added another run in the third. After Bass drew a walk, her courtesy runner, Emma Clark, advanced on a base hit from Herring and scored on an error.

Midway scored four more runs in the fourth on three hits, one walk and two errors.

Game two of the series is at Martin County on Thursday. A win by Midway would send the Raiders to the state championship for the second year in a row.

“Stay focused and stay relaxed,” coach Clark said. “Have a good time and win. Swing the bats early and just keep them from swinging. Keep them off of their game at the plate.”

Sarah Autry pitched a shutout for Midway on Tuesday evening.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Midway first baseman Peyton Herring makes a catch in front of the visitors dugout.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Kiley Ives connects for a 3-run double for the Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Midway right fielder Samantha Carter gets under a fly ball.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

Mollie Bass (right) trades places with courtesy runner Ella Clark after a hit.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)