The Todd County Central High School softball team got hits from nine different players and strung together eight two-out runs in the first inning Monday, eventually leading to a 19-0 home victory over University Heights Academy.
UHA, which was attempting to end a mini two-game slide, actually loaded the bases to start the game, but stranded runners on all three bases after Rebels pitcher Maddie Williams struck out Trinity Luke to end the threat. Williams (3-4) ended up with five K’s in just 1 2/3 innings pitched.
During its first at-bat of the contest, Todd Central put six straight batters on three singles, two walks and an RBI double by Samantha Case, who ended the game 2-for-2 with three runs, three RBIs, and one of eight Rebel walks.
After TCCHS recorded its second out in the top of the first, Lacy Cumbee kept the offensive outburst going with an RBI single that put the Blazers in a 6-0 hole. The Rebels then proceeded to bang out seven more runs in the frame, capped by a bases-loaded walk by Cumbee, who had three stolen bases to go along with a game-high four RBIs.
Todd Central put UHA down in order in the top of the second, followed by six more runs in the bottom half to go up 19-0 when Cumbee’s ground ball was misplayed for one of five Heights errors, allowing Haylee Vass to score. And when the Blazers were unable to score in the third inning, the game came to an end via mercy rule.
Mallory Ladd went 2-for-2 and had both Blazer hits. Regan Pollard was collared with the loss in the circle after allowing seven hits and 10 runs (eight earned) in 2/3 innings pitched. UHA (6-18) will play again May 25 against Caldwell County, beginning a three-game homestand to close out the regular season.
The Rebels were also led Monday by Williams, who helped her own cause by going 2-for-2 with two runs, two RBIs, and a walk. Vass (three runs, two walks), Abby Williams (2-for-2, two runs, three stolen bases) and Abigail McPherson (1-for-1, three runs, RBI, walk) also turned in strong performances.
Todd County Central (12-13) will try to get back to .500 on the season during a May 25 outing at Edmonson County.
