The James River softball team pounded out a 21-1 win over Radford last week, then accepted a 1-0 forfeit win over Martinsville as the Bulldogs are not fielding a team. With those two much different results the Knights are 11-3 overall and 6-1 in Three Rivers District games.
Martinsville’s softball team folded late in the preseason so they are forfeiting to everyone on their schedule.
In the five-inning win in Radford the Knights took advantage of 17 hits, 10 walks and a couple of errors in the lopsided victory. River scored a dozen runs in the fifth inning to put the nail in the coffin.
Individually, Ella Hutchens had three hits, five RBIs, three runs scored, a walk and a sacrifice fly to lead her team offensively. Sydnee Breeding had three hits, including two doubles, four RBIs, four runs scored, and two stolen bases. Caitlyn Downey and Sierra Ware had two hits, with Downey scoring three runs.
Makenna Saville pitched a complete game for River, allowing one earned run. She scattered six hits, striking out one and walking one while throwing only 60 pitches. Her teammates turned two double plays.
“I just want to commend my team and our coaches and parents on persevering through a really tough stretch of games,” said River coach Steve Austin. “Seven games in eight weekdays was challenging. We had two late tough losses but we had two late comeback wins, too. In the spring, with all the reschedules, you just have to play the deck you’re dealt. Our group handled it well and I appreciate them.”
The Knights were scheduled to host Glenvar on Tuesday. Then, they’ll have welcome week off from games before returning to the Springwood diamond for a big game against Floyd County next Tuesday, May 12.


