Jets hold off Raiders in opener

The Adams Central Jets built a five-run by the middle of the fourth inning before holding on for a 6-4 win over the Shenandoah Raiders on Monday night.

Adams Central (1-0) got on the scoreboard for the first time in 2024 on a first-inning error that was charged to pitcher Olivia Watson. Jozie Zimmerman scored on the play to give the Jets a 1-0 lead.

Shenandoah (0-1) quickly canceled out the run when Lydia Schwagmeier laced a double to center field in the bottom of the first, scoring Aleyna Sharritts in the process.

The Jets escaped further damage when catcher Athena Schwartz fired the ball to third baseman Melina Peralez to catch Schwagmeier breaking for home plate for the inning-ending out.

Another Raider mistake in the top of the second allowed the visitors to regain the advantage.

Zimmerman sent the ball out to right field. An error by Olivia Hinesley allowed Brinlee Rinkenberger and Audrey Eisberg to score, putting the Jets up 3-1.

The Raiders created some traffic on the base paths with a pair of second-inning walks, but both runners were left stranded when Lilli Jackson struck out Elise Boyd.

Both teams went scoreless in the third inning.

The Jets took control of the game in the top of the fourth.

Another error was assessed to Watson. Lillie Liter crossed home plate on the play to push the margin to three runs in favor of Adams Central.

Jenna Cook scored one at-bat later on a sacrifice fly to center field off the bat of Schwartz with one out in the frame.

Peralez kept the inning alive with a twoout single to third. She scored when Izzy Isch sent a base hit to left field.

Adams Central led 6-1 at that point. Any indication, however, that the home team was ready to fold was quickly dispelled when Watson started the inning with a solo home run to center.

A walk and a ground out gave Lilliana Lynch a chance to advance to third. Hinesely brought her in with a one-out single.

The Jets missed out on an opportunity to widen the gap once more when Eisberg and Rinkenberger were left in scoring position in the fifth.

The Raiders shaved another run off the Adams Central lead in the bottom of the fifth. A liner to center field by Gabrielle Patrick brought in Schwagmeier. An error contributed to the outcome of the play, as well.

Momentum was on the side of the Raiders at that point, but Adams Central dashed the rally hopes of the home team with a quick sixth.

Peralez ended the game when she caught a line drive from Sharritts.

Jackson pitched all six innings for the Jets. She allowed four earned runs on six hits. Jackson notched four strikeouts.

The Jets will be idle on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their next game is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday evening. That is when the team will open up its home schedule with a visit from Eastside.*