By Cort Reynolds
McCOMB–The visiting Ada High School softball team out-slugged McComb 14-8 in a non-league contest Tuesday evening, April 4, forging a season opening hot streak.
With the win, the Bulldogs are 4-0. The Panthers fell to 0-4 with the loss.
“We hit the ball well, made contact and only struck out three times,” said Ada head coach Jeff Bassitt. “We will take the win and go back to work.”
Ada jumped ahead 4-0 in the top of the first inning and never trailed. McComb plated one run in the home first, but the Bulldog girls answered with two scores in the second.
The Panthers plated two runs in the bottom of the second to stay within 6-3. Both teams scored a run in the fourth and each tallied three times in the fifth to make the score 10-7.
Yet Ada pulled ahead with three scores in the top of the sixth to forge in front 13-7, and tacked on one more in the seventh to post the six-run win.
“Tess had a crucial hit and a couple RBIs,” said Bassitt.
Sophomore first sacker Aidra Preston drilled three singles and stole three bases to pace the offense. Sophomore Jenna Bassitt contributed three hits and a stolen base. Sophomore outfielder Tess Griffith compiled two hits and a pair of stolen bases.
Soph catcher Natilyn McClain did well behind the plate and laid down two sacrifice bunts, and stole two bases. Freshman Marley Bulerin swiped a base. Ada stole 11 bases as a team.
Junior Daicy Robinson and sophomore shortstop Karley Wagner each added a single.
The Lady Bulldogs out-hit McComb, 12-8. Winning pitcher Bassitt struck out seven in a complete game, and allowed just two earned runs to improve to 4-0 this season.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E
Ada 4 2 0 1 3 3 1 14 12 6
McC 1 2 0 1 3 1 0 8 8 3
WP-Bassitt (4-0)
LP-M. Schroeder
2B- Shellenberger (M)
Ada is slated to host Perry Wednesday (3-1). The Bulldogs then open league play at home vs. defending NWC champion Lincolnview (2-2) Thursday.
“We have a tough one Thursday with Lincolnview,” Bassitt warned. “Hopefully we can play a clean game and we can compete.”
Ada hosts a twinbill Saturday vs. Arlington (1-2).