Lady Raiders softball improves to 3-0

By MATT KING
Daily Journal Sports Writer

BONNE TERRE — Erica Inman finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored, and pitcher Jennifer Hackworth added a timely two-run single in the third inning on Thursday, as the North County softball team remained unbeaten with a 5-2 victory over Fredericktown.

North County improved to 3-0 overall after posting back-to-back shutouts over Cuba and Ste. Genevieve earlier this week. Hackworth (2-0) recorded five strikeouts with one walk and scattered six hits in the circle.

Fredericktown (0-3), which has outhit its opponent in each of its three losses, grabbed the lead with an unearned run in the second inning. A RBI ground out by Nikki Mascaro scored Hailey Pate, who reached safely on a three-base throwing error.

The Lady Raiders produced several strong defensive plays as well. Senior outfielders Heather Shannon and Jenna Dennison each recorded an assist to third base, and catcher Jamie Bullock caught two more runners stealing.

Mascaro retired seven straight batters for Fredericktown, but two walks would prove costly in the third. Inman tied the game with a RBI single to right field, and scored along with Brittani O’Connell for a 3-1 lead when Hackworth popped a single in front of a deep outfield.

The Lady Cats manufactured a run on a RBI ground out by Haley Stevens following a lead-off single by Mascaro and a Meghan Starkey sacrifice in the fifth, but North County promptly answered during the home half.

O’Connell scored her second run of the contest on a passed ball after reaching first on an error, and Inman beat a surprising throw home on a two-out dribbler back to the mound.

A single by Heather Shannon sparked a bases-loaded threat for the Lady Raiders with no outs in the sixth, but Mascaro escaped danger when shortstop Alyssa Allgier snared a line drive to start a double play.

Hackworth needed just six pitches to complete a quick seventh inning. North County will took to stay undefeated today at home against non-league foe Herculaneum.

Fredericktown received a perfect 3-for-3 effort from catcher Mariah Korokis, plus singles from Alyssa Buxton and Pate.

Fredericktown  010 010 0 - 2  6  3

North County  003 020 x - 5  4  2

WP - Hackworth 7i 2r 1er 6h 5k 1bb.

LP - Mascaro 6i 5r 3er 4h 7k 5bb.

Hitting:

Fredericktown - Korokis 3-3, Mascaro 1-3, Buxton 1-3, Pate 1-3.

North County - Inman 2-3, Hackworth 1-2, O’Connell 1-3.