Shelby softball showcases its offense in win
A big third inning propelled the Shelby Lady Whippet softball to a 14-1 run rule victory Highland on Tuesday afternoon.
The host Whippets had 13 batters step to the bat, scoring 10 runs in the third to blow open a close game.
With the score 3-1, Natalie Kennard singled to open the third. Kendal Parsons singled. Kennard stole home, and Parsons scored on an RBI single by Mallary Gundrum.
Braylee Sturts walked, Gundrum scored on a wild pitch to make the score 6-1. Kennedy Studer knocked in Sturts with a base hit to make it 7-1.
Katie Taylor walked, Karlie Walp knocked in Studer with an RBI groundout and the score was 8-1. Maggie Bogner walked, Kennard scored Taylor on an RBI infield hit.
Parsons smacked a two-run double to raise the lead to 11-1. Gundrum then blasted her 4th home run of the season over the left field wall to up the Shelby lead to 13-1.
Lexi Booker cranked her second home run of the year over the center field fence to make the score 14-1.
Booker also picked up the win on the mound for Shelby. Booker pitched five innings, allowing a run, four hits and fan- ning six.
For the third game this season, the Lady Whippets have played errorless ball in the field.
Shelby coach Sami Martin spoke about her team’s effort.
“As a coaching staff this season we have been having the girls focus on just a few things, putting the team’s needs before their own, making all the routine plays and most of all to trust their training and have fun,” Martin said.
“The girls have really bought into these three things, and I think they have been game changers and why we are having so much success so far this season,” she said. “The girls have put a ton of time in and the off season and I’m happy to see it paying off so far.”
Kennard, Parsons and Gundrum all had two hits apiece. Gundrum smacked a homer, Parsons smacked a double. Booker’s hit was a homer and Bogner’s hit was a double. Studer and Walp each had a base hit.
Bogner and Gundrum knocked in three runs apiece. Parsons had two RBIS. Kennard, Booker, Studer and Walp each collected an RBI.
The Lady Whippets, now 7-1, 5-0 on the season, were traveling to Highland on Wednesday afternoon.