Perfection for Rogers

Emerald Knights advance with 10- 0 win

HAMILTON >> From the first pitch, Hami lton’s Becca Rogers said she was in her “groove” in Thursday afternoon’s Class D softball playoff game against Copenhagen.

It was a groove that not only propel led the Emerald Knights to a 10- 0 win in six innings, but one that gave Rogers her first career perfect game.

“So exciting,” said Rogers beaming after the game was called early due to weather. “I go out to do my best every time and I have such a great team with me, I trust my defense if the other team gets a hit and I trust my offense to put the runs on the board.”

And all cylinders were in order Thursday.

In the opening inning it was three up and three down for Copenhagen before the Emerald Knights offense completely took over.

Jessica Welsh led of f with a double down the third base line and Lauren Weeks followed with a walk. Rogers was then hit by the f irst pitch and replaced by Megan Holcomb at f irst to load the bases for Kelby Watkins. Watkins popped out but Caitlyn Purdy stepped up and scored Welsh and Weeks with a hit.

It opened the f l ood gates as Hami lton con- tinued to add the runs in the opening inning, driving the ball to centerfield and finding gaps in the infield, too.

“We came i n and j umped on ( Copenhagen) right away, hitting the ball really well,” said Hamilton head coach Bill Dowsland.

In total the Emerald Knights tallied 10 runs in the first, all they would need as Rogers and company shutout Copenhagen the entire game.

The win was also Rogers’ third no- hit ter i n four outings this season.

“She’s always ready to go, she’s a competitor,” said Dowsland of Rogers. “She’s a command pitcher and is confident almost every time out.”