Danielle Hernandez had eight strikeouts Wednesday to give the
Haybalers a 2-0 victory over Live Oak in the Tri-County Athletic
League opener.
Danielle Hernandez had eight strikeouts Wednesday to give the Haybalers a 2-0 victory over Live Oak in the Tri-County Athletic League opener.
“With the wind blowing here at our place, we know it can be tough to score,” said Baler coach Scott Smith. “We set a goal to shut teams out here. We feel we are capable of doing that. Dani is throwing a good game. If we play any type of defense behind her, we are tough to beat.”
Hernandez threw a two-hitter and didn’t give up any walks. She also benefited from the return of catcher Amy Baxter.
Baxter, who suffered a broken jaw, was cleared to play despite having her mouth wired shut. She made the most of her opportunity, going 2 for 3 with a double.
Juliette Bowers, who didn’t play last year after playing on a traveling volleyball team, pitched for Live Oak.
“She is a tough pitcher,” Smith said. “She keeps the ball down and throws in the low 60s, but we didn’t let that faze us. Our kids still were taking cuts.”
The Balers (7-1, 1-0 TCAL) jumped out to a quick lead and then got an insurance run in the fifth innings.
Jenny Maheu bunted for a hit, and Julie Broyer moved her over with a sacrifice bunt. Hillary Williams worked the count to 3-0, and Smith gave her the green light.
Williams hit a single to the right center field to score Maheu, who had moved to third on a wild pitch.
“It was such a relief to score in the first inning,” Smith said. “A lot of times last year, we would score at the end of the game to win. We have scored in the first inning this year in almost every game. We are solid throughout the lineup and have several players coming off the bench who are just as strong.”
One of those players is Megan N. Smith, who is batting about .400. She came in to pinch run against Live Oak.
The Balers scored their second run in the fifth inning. Nicole Burns reached on a base hit, and Maheu moved her over to second. Broyer had an infield single off the pitcher’s glove to score the run.
Justine McDonald had the Acorns’ first hit in the fifth inning. And Andrea Thrappas beat out an infield ground ball for a hit on a close play from Maheu at shortstop to Liz Stewart, who stretched out at first base to receive the throw. Live Oak is 4-4 overall and 0-1 in league.
“We knew they were going to play the short game and be fast and aggressive,” McDonnell said. “There were just a few plays that got past us that allowed them to score. They’re a real solid team and deserve to be ranked where they are in CCS.”
The Balers will continue play in the Circle of Champions tournament on Saturday against Leigh at 9 a.m. If they win, they will play the winner of Mitty vs. Carmont.
