James River erupted for 12 runs in the second and third innings against Floyd County on the way to 12-2 softball win at home last week. The five-inning contest was the Knights’ first victory of the year.
In a scoreless game in the bottom of the second, River used a combination of three hits, two sacrifice bunts, two walks, and three Buffalo errors to send 10 batters to the plate and score five runs. Jenna Pugh and Lacey Lucado had RBI hits in the inning.
“Shortstop Lacey Lucado made an incredible play on lead off batter Olivia Yates’ hard ground ball to begin the game and, in my opinion, it set the tone for our contest,” said River coach Steve Austin. “We had been playing tentative and that play gave us all a boost. I could feel it in the dugout.”
In the third inning, the onslaught continued as the Knights sent 11 more players to the plate as they used seven hits, a walk, and two more Floyd County errors to add seven more runs. Austyn Moran had a two RBI single along with RBI singles by Ainsley Simmons and Pugh.
James River had 11 hits in the game, led by Pugh’s three hits, including a first inning double. Elly Lackey had two hits and a walk. Lucado had a double and a walk. Simmons, Moran, Karlee Eubank, Kaycee Kincaid, and Lauren Griffin had one hit apiece.
Moran pitched a complete game, scattering six hits while striking out five and walking one. The Buffalos picked up both of their runs with a brief three-hit rally in the fifth inning.
“We obviously had our best game of the year as we finally settled down and just played,” said Austin. “The reality is, all softball teams are dealing with volatility from a missed season and an abbreviated preseason. The programs with the most experience are faring better out of the gate. We have to play really well to win any game on our schedule, that’s just the way it is.”
James River improved to 1-3 with the victory and will be at Glenvar today, where the Highlanders are undefeated on the young season. River is back home Friday to host Alleghany.
