Freshman Sarah Autry delivers a pitch for Midway on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Midway’s varsity softball team bounced back from being edged in extra innings at South Johnston on Tuesday night by taking a 6-2 win over visiting rival Triton on Friday night.
“They played well tonight,” said Midway coach Susan Clark. “Still didn’t hit as well as I wanted them to. Last season we left so many runners on base, so our focus this season has been putting the ball in play. And tonight, they still didn’t do what they were supposed to do. But the girls fought back. They fought back hard. They’ve got a lot of heart.”
Triton coach Mark Whitman said the Hawks struggled at the plate throughout the game.
“Just a poor approach at the bat tonight,” Whitman said. “I’m the coach. I take that blame. No reason we shouldn’t have hit. It was just a bad approach.”
Freshman Sarah Autry recorded the complete game win in the circle for the Raiders (1-1), giving up one earned run on three hits and one walk, with 10 strikeouts.
“I’ve got three freshman (pitchers) and I’ve put a lot of stock in them,” Clark said. “They’re worked really hard to get this opportunity and I’ve told them they’ve got four years to let it shine. Sarah pitched a superb game. Didn’t even get nervous. Did super.”
Junior Krista McLean had a triple and one run scored and junior Mallory Baggett had a double and one run scored to lead the Raiders (1-1).
Jaycie Byrd had one hit and one run scored. Kelcey Harris had one hit. Lainey Hughes, Cassidy King and Kasey Calcutt scored one run apiece.
Junior Gracie Byrd had one hit and one RBI, sophomore T.K. McLean had one hit and one run scored, sophomore Stephanie Davis had a triple and senior Tristan Ennis scored once for the Hawks (0-2).
Whitman praised Ennis for her willingness to step up after starting catcher Ashley Pope was ejected in the third inning for having jewelry on. Ennis had never played at the catcher spot in varsity softball prior to Friday’s game.
“We had the little fiasco with jewelry and that hurts you,” Whitman said. “And then Tristan steps up as a team player and says ‘I’ll catch.’ Four scores on four passed balls. Can’t blame Tristan for that. Can’t blame (pitcher) Aubree (Bass) for that. First time (Ennis) has ever caught for me.”
Triton is also currently without senior Reagan Bradham, who has started at second base since her freshman year, because of a knee injury.
Triton was the first team on the board when Ennis scored when Kimah Warren reached base on an error on a sacrifice bunt in the top of the fourth inning.
Midway took advantage of several Triton miscues to score three runs apiece in the fourth and fifth innings to take the lead.
Triton scored once in the top of the sixth when McLean had a base hit and scored on a base hit from Byrd.
Midway has a non-conference game at East Duplin (0-1) on Tuesday and Triton opens All American 3-A/4-A Conference play at Harnett County rival Overhills (0-2) on Monday at 6 p.m.
Tristan Ennis of Triton scores on an error by Midway.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Mallory Baggett makes a catch in center field for the Raiders.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Krista McLean of Midway drives a triple in the Raiders’ 6-2 win.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Triton third baseman T.K. McLean makes a throw to first at Midway.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
Gracie Byrd gets a run-scoring hit for the Hawks.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)
