Regan Martino of North Union lays out for a ball up the middle against West Jefferson on Thursday. Martino’s catch ended the game to give the Wildcats a 9-2 win and increase their record to 5-0. The Lady Cats will return to action today, hosting London.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
It’s often been said that “slow and steady wins the race.”
The Lady Cats of North Union were able to keep their perfect softball season alive with a steady stream of runs during a 9-2 win over West Jefferson on Thursday.
North Union got the ball rolling early with good contact hitting that pushed across the initial run in the bottom of the first.
NU repeated the effort in the bottom of the third and increased the score to 2-0.
The Lady Cats continued their tear at the plate in the fourth when Madison Amstutz grooved a ball over the right-field fence with runners on to increase the lead to 6-0.
Pitcher Josie Duncan kept the scoreboard clean through 4 1/3 innings, but a battle with the Rough Riders’ number six hitter ended her clean sheet on a homer.
Duncan came back with a double to lead off the bottom of the sixth inning.
Abby Davis employed her speed to bunt Duncan over to third and reach first base. The Wildcats used a slew of contact shots to work runners around and notch three more runs (for a 9-1 margin) before West Jefferson could retire the side.
Duncan got two quick outs in the top of the seventh.
However, a bad hop between Amstutz’s legs kept the Riders’ hopes alive.
West Jeff followed with a double that scored what would prove to be merely a consolation run before the game ended.
With the win, the Lady Cats increased their record 5-0. NU will return to action at home today against London.
WJ 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 2
NU 1 0 1 4 0 3 x 9 14 2
WP- Duncan
LP- Fisher