FARMINGTON SURGES TO 6-3 WIN OVER WALDRON

FARMINGTON — After a weekend of rainouts, tournament host, Farmington, kicked off the 4A North Regional girls softball tournament with a 6-3 win over Waldron on May 6.

Powered by the bat of Brooke Larkin, who went 2-3, driving in one run and scoring twice, Farmington kept the pressure on Waldron and took a little heat off themselves. Farmington coach Randy Osnes said four runs in the first inning helped.

“It was huge getting four runs in the first inning being an elimination game,” Osnes said. “It took the pressure off our pitcher. We were able to pipe the ball and throw a lot of fast balls.”

Jordin Smith pitched all seven winnings to secure the win, allowing three runs with four strike outs, four walks and eight hits.

Larkin singled in the first inning and homered in the third.

“Brooke [Larkin] hit a solo shot and we got an insurance run late. It was an opportunity to get into the state tournament. I’m extremely proud of our girls,” Osnes said.

Smith dominated the sixth inning from the mound retiring all three batters she faced. Tory Watkins hit

fly to short stop and Madison Ainge ground out to second and Kaylee Brewer struck out.

Smith gave up two runs on four hits in the seventh but the Lady Cardinal defense was solid behind her with Payton Wiedner catching a line drive to short stop and fielding a grounder to record the final out at third.

Farmington scored six runs on 10 hits with one error and six runners left on base. Waldron had three runs on eight hits with one error and nine left on base.