Smackover cruises to league victory

SMACKOVER – Malorie Pullin threw a no-hitter Thursday as Smackover blanked Harmony Grove 11-0 in non-conference softball action. The Lady Bucks improved to 17-2 on the season.

Pullin struck out nine and walked two in five innings.

One walk in the third was erased by a double play. Shortstop Gabbi Kelly rushed in to snare a pop up and then fired to Karis Robinson at first for the double play.

“We executed some bunts today. I thought Claire Schibler did well. She bunted the ball and moved some people up,” said Coach Dennis Steele.

“We had some good line drive hits and, of course, you have to mention the no hitter. I thought she did an excellent job pitching.”

Smackover scored a run in the first when Kelly walked and scored on a wild pitch. The Lady Bucks tacked on eight in the third. Lindy Bates walked before Pullin and Sydney Preston singled to load the bases. Hannah Parker and Schibler both walked to drive in runs. Kelly hit a two-run double and Robinson would add a RBI single.

Smackover scored on a two-out rally in the fourth. Kelly and Mackenzie Preston both singled before Robinson’s RBI hit. In the fifth, Sydney Preston singled and courtesy runner Ma’Kalia Massey scored on Parker’s hit.

The Lady Bucks had 11 hits. Sydney Preston was 3-for-4 with Kelly and Robinson each driving in two runs with two hits apiece. Mackenzie Preston had a single and walked three times.

Smackover will host Lake Village for a doubleheader on Tuesday, beginning at 4 p.m.