The Hixson Wildcats made quick work of the East Ridge Lady Pioneers on their home field. The game was called at the end of the third inning with Hixson winning 14-2.
Jenna Griswold started on the mound for Hixson, she started a bit cold, allowing two walks and three hits, one of which was a two shot RBI from East Ridge first baseman Limdy McCrary. Griswold then struck out and popped out the number six and seven batters to end the inning.
The Hixson bats were hot early, the Wildcats were just a home run away from completing the cycle by the fifth batter. Not only were they making contact in the batter’s box, but they were also expertly running the bases Every passed ball or moment of hesitation from East Ridge was an extra base for Hixson.
Passed balls play havoc on East Ridge all game, a deep backstop and runners on third base charging home broke up the Lady Pioneers’ rhythm covering home plate. By the end of the first inning Hixson was winning 7-2.
Back on the mound Jenna Griswold cleaned up her already tidy first inning by only allowing one hit and earning one strike out. Her infield handled two soft grounders and picked up the other two outs at first base.
Passed balls were less of a problem for Hixson. Catcher Meg Kernea kept everything in front of her with great moves behind the plate. She also had three hits and three RBIs on the game.
Hixson started their second inning behind the plate just as hot as they did in the first. Back to back doubles were followed by Zoie Sullivan’s left field crank that hit off the top of the outfield fence on the baseball field behind Hixson’s softball field.
Two good plays in a row by East Ridge third baseman Limdy McCrary throwing out runners at first helped get the Lady Pioneers back in the dugout, now down 10-2.
East Ridge’s third time at the plate went by quick, with the third, fourth and fifth batters going three up three down. Griswold picked up her third and final strikeout in the game.
Back on offense and with a chance to go home early, the Wildcats took the plate in the third inning and put on a show. Lead-off batter Ari Neal hit the games’ second home run, this one in the park. A deep drive to right field and a poor throw home allowed Neal to sweep the bases.
The home run was followed by two more doubles and a single, and the game was called after the third out in the inning.
Hixson 734 – 14 13 0
East Ridge 200 – 2 4 4
Griswold and Kernea; Goodwin and Ezell