David Laughlin
VELMA — The Lady Comet softball team made the 100-mile trek of the Binger-Oney Lady Bobcats seem just a bit longer than it regularly would have. Velma-Alma made easy work of the Lady Bobcats, defeating them 8-2 Tuesday.
The Lady Comets started off slow, trailing after the first. The Velma-Alma defense led by pitcher Micah Thompson, allowed two runners to get on base in the first inning, and allowed one of the two runs on the evening. The Velma-Alma offense just couldn’t get the wheels to meet the ground in the first inning, failing to get a runner on base.
In the second inning, the Lady Comets turned things around and sent Kaitlin Anderson, Hillary Tivis, Cheyenne Wright and Shalyn Files across home plate.
Thompson tightened her belt, and the defense followed suit by holding the Lady Bobcats to no runs. Thompson allowed three Binger base runners, but the Lady Comet defense rallied and sent them back to ride the pine.
The third inning was relatively short, with the Binger defense forcing Velma-Alma to send the first three runners back to the dugout. The Lady Comet defense made quick work of the Lady Bobcats allowing one earned base, but stranding the runner. In the fourth inning, the Lady Comets struck again with Kaylee Sanner and Shalyn Files scoring. Shalyn Files suffered a scare when an errant pitch struck her in the head but the protective equipment held up and she took her base without any hesitation.
The fifth inning was the last time Binger-Oney would send a runner across the plate. The Lady Comets let a few runners get on base, but after one score, the Lady Comets bore down and ended the threat.
The Lady Comets struck in the sixth inning with Kaylee Sanner and Cheyenne Wright adding two more tallies to the home team score. The Velma-Alma defense didn’t have to stay on the field too long in the sixth, throwing out the first two runners at first, and acquiring the third out by catching an easy pop fly.
Micah Thompson showed her value by striking out 2 in the final inning, and sending the third packing after being tagged out at first.
Thompson played well and gets another notch in the victory column. Velma coach Jimmy Miller said “She’s doing great, she’s coming off an injury and getting better everyday.” Although he was extremely happy with the victory he knows there are still ways to improve and knows getting better is essential.
“ Defensively we need to reduce errors, and (offensively) pick our pitches better,” Miller said.
The Lady Comets wrapped up the night with a game against Amber-Pocasset. Look in the Thursday edition of the Duncan Banner for results.
Central High 4, Walters 3
CENTRAL HIGH — Caitlin White hit a sacrifice fly deep enough to score Amy Benton in the seventh and lift Central High to a 4-3 win over Walters. The Lady Bronchos scored two in the sixth to get into position for the win.
Krista Sparks went the distance to pick up the win, striking out six and walking two while giving up eight hits.
Morgan Hood had the big bat for Central High, going 2-for-3 with a triple and a home run. Hood finished the night with three RBIs. Klaleigh Jung was 1-for-2 with two runs to help lead the Lady Bronchos, which improved to 9-7.
Bray-Doyle 7, Verden 4
VERDEN — The Bray-Doyle Lady Donkeys knocked off Verden 7-4 to improve to 12-9 on the season. Sarah Justus picked up the win in the circle, finishing with six strikeouts.
Shelby Copeland was 2-for-3 with three RBIs to help pace an impressive Bray-Doyle offensive attack. Codie Solomon and Erika Hatfield were also 2-for-3. Kendra Balthrop had one hit, a triple and finished with three RBIs.
