Braves take advantage of free passes to best Waverly

Logan Elm scored half of its runs by base runners reaching via a free pass on Tuesday on its way to an 8-3 non-league win over visiting Waverly.

The Braves jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning.

Ryleigh Wolfe led off the home second by coaxing a walk, stole second and scored on a pair of passed balls. Tia Fowler, Peyton Richendollar and Kaitlyn Otterbacher then each worked walks to load the sacks full of Braves.

After a strikeout, Sadie Binkley lined a two-out double to center that scored courtesy runner Hannah Gooley, Tia Fowler and Richendollar.

Waverly responded with two runs in the third and another in the fourth to make it a one-run game.

Logan Elm countered in its half of the fourth with four more runs.

Richendollar reached on a dropped third strike, Otterbacher walked and a fielder’s choice hit into by Lynsay VanHoose allowed Richendollar to score.

Binkley followed by singling to center to chase home Gooley.

Jacie Clifton grounded out to first to score VanHoose and, following a strikeout, Ryleigh Wolfe lined a double to center to score Binkley.

Binkley went 2-for-4 with four RBI and a run scored, Wolfe doubled, drove in a run and scored and VanHoose singled, drove in a run and scored to pace the Braves.

Clifton worked the first three and one-third innings, allowing five hits and three runs (one earned). She walked two and struck out four. Binkley tossed the final three and two-third innings, allow three hits, a pair of walks and punching out five.

Logan Elm (11-6) resumes Mid-State League Buckeye Division play on Wednesday when it hosts Liberty Union.