By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Lady Trojan senior Mia Prescott swings at a pitch during third inning action.
Millington Lady Trojan senior Ariel Trice cuts off a relay throw from teammate Meghan Sands during Friday’s game against Briarcrest.
When the Briarcrest Lady Saints got their first hit Friday afternoon, the score was already 3-0. The Lady Saints were able to load the bases against the Millington Lady Trojans via base on balls. And the base paths of the Miles Park Softball Field took on the appearance of a revolving door. Briarcrest mixed in a couple of hits to jump ahead 10-0 in the first inning. The Lady Saints went on to an 18-1 victory. “Our pitchers are not throwing strikes,” Millington Head Coach Rick Hearn acknowledged. “We’re giving up too many walks. We hit the ball a little bit up in Jackson, but not today.” Millington starter Ally Hall was missing high in the zone according the umpire calling pitches in the top of the first. Hall didn’t seem to get any breaks leading to six walks. Then a base hit from the Lady Saints made the score 5-0. Hearn went to relief pitcher Katie Dupree to try to stop the Briarcrest rally. The Lady Saints added five more runs in the first inning. The Lady Trojans did attempt to stage a rally with Dupree, Ariel Trice and Mia Prescott loading the bases with one out. But Millington’s first inning went scoreless as Briarcrest got a strike out and fielder’s choice out. Hearn noted for the Lady Trojans to have offensive success, the leadoff hitters have to reach base to set the table for bats like Trice, Prescott and Emily Stewart. When Millington scored against Briarcrest, Dupree was able to reach base. Lady Trojan senior Meghan Sands drove in the run for Millington. Hearn said there are several positives for his young team. The veteran skipper noted Hall has the potential to be a great pitcher. Hearn acknowledged it will take time and practice to fix the Lady Trojans’ major issues.
“Walks, we’re struggling with our young, inexperience pitching,” he concluded. “When you stand out there for 30 minutes in an inning, when the ball is hit to you, you’re flat. Hopefully we can turn it around and get our pitchers in the strike zone. Until we start throwing strikes, we’re going to struggle.”
