The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Warm weather heats up the bats on April 12
Willoughby South and Riverside combined to hit six home runs in a game — including five by the Rebels — as the recent warm weather made for good hitting conditions.
When the weather — finally — warmed up on April 12, so did the bats.
South and Riverside combined for six home runs in the Rebels’ 15-4 Western Reserve Conference win at FOE Field in Willoughby.
South hit five home runs, while the Beavers hit one out.
Riverside’s Emily Lamos got the home run derby started in the first inning with a three-run home run that gave the Beavers a 3-0 lead.
South took it from there. Ava Scott hit a pair of threerun homers, Kalie Eshelman blasted a three-run shot of her own, Ashley Yerse hit a two-run bomb and Kristen Jesberger launched a solo round-tripper.
In all, 15 of the 19 runs in the game came across via a home run.
“It was great to finally see what our offense is capable of,” South coach Erin Dodson said.
“We have power throughout the lineup. Solo shots are great, but two- and three-run home runs put the pedal to the metal. To see your 4, 5, 6 and 8 hitters go deep shows us that all the hard work we have done in creating more power and getting stronger is really paying off.”
Dodson said Eshelman and Yerse, along with Riverside’s Lamos, experienced their first varsity home runs in the game.
“Always fun to see girls get their first one,” she said.
Lamos’ home run gives Riverside a home run in three straight games. Maylie Mellon blasted home runs the previous two games, including a towering shot in a 4-1 loss to Lake Catholic on April 11.
“I think we’ve got three or four girls here who can consistently hit them out,” Riverside’s Bill Ross said of his team’s power possibilities.
“That’s what we try to get the girls to understand — when you swing hard, good things can happen.”