View a complete photo gallery of this game from Scott Iles Photography
Gabby McConnell tossed a two-hitter on Monday to help Circleville to an 11-1 non-league win over host Berne Union.
The Circleville junior allowed an earned run, walked four and struck out six in the complete game effort.
“Gabby had to contend with a tight strike zone and didn’t get some pitches called strikes that she normally gets, but I felt she hung in there, continued to compete hard and really threw the ball well,” Circleville coach Dave Truex said. “Gabby was overpowering Berne Union’s hitters for the most part.”
The Tigers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in their first at-bat.
Claire Davis smacked a solo shot over the right center field fence to put the Tigers on the board. Cara Cooper later singled, stole second and scored off a single from McConnell.
Berne Union scored its lone run in the third, but the Tigers responded right back with two runs in their following at-bat.
Gracie Riddick reached on a fielder’s choice and Amaya Fauver legged out an infield single with two outs. Chandler Hayes then knocked in both runners with a two-run double to left.
The Tigers scored again in the fifth and then broke the non-league encounter with four runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh.
Hayes paced the Tigers by going a perfect 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI, Cooper also went 4-for-4 with a triple and two RBI, McConnell contributed three hits, including a double and drove in three runs, Davis went 2-for-5 with a solo homer and Ella Michael was 2-for-3 with a double.
“I was pretty pleased with how we swung the bats, especially with Berne Union throwing a pretty decent pitcher,” Truex said. “Some of our kids are really starting to show plate discipline and swing at pitches that they can hit.”
The Tigers (3-0) continue non-league play on Tuesday at Chillicothe.
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