CLASS 1A SOFTBALL

Scranton roughs up Izard County early

MOUNTAIN HOME -- Scranton came out swinging Thursday in the opening round of the Class 1A softball state tournament.

The Lady Rockets scored seven runs off nine hits over the first three innings and coasted to a 7-0 victory over the Izard County Lady Cougars at Keller Park.

Kennady Kremers, Paige White and Marisa Blashke each had two hits as the Lady Rockets (27-8) finished with 11 hits, but it was Scranton's strong start that set the tone.

"I thought we came out early and hit it the way we needed to hit it to make a statement," Scranton Coach Charlie Melton said. "We're capable of it up and down the lineup.

"I wish we'd have got a few more late, but we'll take what we got."

Rebecca Willems had a two-run double in the first inning, and Scranton scored three more times in the second on RBI hits by Kremers and White and on an error by Izard County.

Kremers singled home two more in the third inning to make it 7-0.

"In Class A we're kind of an unknown at times, because we haven't played a lot of Class A teams," Melton said. "In our neck of the woods, we're playing up with everybody, from [Fort Smith] Southside to Vilonia to all over."

Kirklyn Kremers, a sister of Kennady Kremers, earned the victory on the mound. She struck out 7 and allowed 3 hits and 3 walks. All three walks were drawn by Izard County pitcher Molly Taylor, who did not log an official at-bat.

Taylor struck out six and allowed 11 hits for the Lady Cougars (19-11).

Sports on 05/16/2014

Upcoming Events