Photo by Brian Hoffman
The James River softball team will travel to Carroll County on Thursday to end the regular season, then see what’s in store next with the Region 2C tournament due to begin on Wednesday, May 22. The Three Rivers District does not have a tournament.
James River is 6-11 overall and 2-9 in the district after losing at Glenvar Monday, 9-7. It was River’s fifth loss by two runs or less.
“We played hard and did a lot of good things, including hitting the ball, we just handed out too many free passes,” said River coach Steve Austin. “This was the tightest strike zone I have seen all year, but Glenvar only walked one kid. So, we just have to figure it out a little better on nights like this.”
Glenvar took advantage of 13 walks and a big night from lone senior Claire Spence who had a three-run homer, a two-run single and five runs batted in on “Senior Night.” The Knights outhit the Highlanders, 14-10, and only committed two errors, but could never catch up after falling behind 7-2, after four innings.
Ripley Barry and Sydnee Breeding had three hits apiece to lead James River. Barry’s hits included a solo homer and an RBI double. Cloey Joynes, Ella Hutchens, and Keira Crawford had two hits each. Joynes had a two-run home run and an RBI double.
“We left 11 runners on the base, including three in the second inning,” said Austin. “That’s a few too many to expect to win a close game.”
Last Friday River went on the road to Patrick County and lost another close one, this time 10-9, to the Cougars in 11 innings. Joynes and Hutchens had three hits apiece, while Barry and Breeding had two hits each. Hutchens led River with three RBIs.
“Really proud of our fight and effort,” said Austin. “We never conceded until it was over and some new faces stepped up in key spots for us again. That bodes well for the future.”
