Photos by Brian Hoffman
James River banged out 10 hits and took advantage of seven walks as the home squad held on in a 14-11 softball slugfest win over Liberty in Springwood on Monday. Keira Crawford led the Knights with three hits and three RBIs, and a stellar defensive game behind the plate.
Sydnee Breeding went 2-2, had two walks, and scored four runs– all while raising her batting average to .737. Caitlyn Downey had two hits and two runs for River. Laken Robinson went three and two-thirds innings in relief to gain the victory for the Knights.
“I’m very proud of our grit and fight in this contest– especially coming immediately after the prom weekend festivities,” said River coach Steve Austin. “We got behind three different times, including by two runs in the fifth, but we never blinked. We were very focused. Really good win for us.”
James River improved to 5-1 with the victory along with a 10-0 slaughter rule win over Glenvar last week. Makenna Saville and Robinson combined on a four-hit shutout.
Karly Mines went three-for-three with three singles, three runs scored, three RBIs, and two stolen bases to lead the Knights. Mines also had a couple of notable defensive plays as she settles into center field for the injured Paige Shotwell. Sydnee Breeding was two-for-two with a two-run home run, a single, and two walks.
River is at Floyd County for a Three River District game on Friday.
