FARMINGTON -- For now, the bragging rights betwixt neighbors belongs to Farmington with the Lady Cardinals beating Fayetteville, 7-1, in softball action on April 11.
Jordin Smith was in a groove, baffling the Fayetteville lineup and limiting the Bulldogs to 1 earned run and 3 hits in leading Farmington to a 7-1 win.
"Jordin pitched a great ball-game and put the ball in the zone and definitely allowed our defense to play behind her today," said Farmington coach Randy Osnes.
Remarkably, the Bulldogs left just 4 runners stranded and could not figure out how to get on base against Smith over seven innings although they recorded 2 hits in the final frame. Smith struck out 4 batters while issuing one walk.
Although Farmington committed 3 errors, the Lady Cardinals made up for the miscues suppressing each Fayetteville opportunity. A prime example came in the seventh inning during the Bulldogs' last at-bat.
Courtnye Pool led off with a single past shortstop but a Smith offering persuaded the next batter to fly out to shallow right-field holding the runner at first. The defensive play was crucial because Farmington then recorded a second out on a fielder's choice with a throw to second. Sydney Crockett was next and cranked out a single into center field prompting Osnes to make a trip to the mound to talk to Smith.
The Lady Cardinals responded and recorded the game's final out on a throw from third base to first for a force-out.
While poor hitting was plaguing Fayetteville, Farmington was blasting 8 hits to account for 7 runs against only a single Bulldog error leaving Osnes smiling.
"It wasn't just part of the lineup, it was up and down the lineup," Osnes said. "We're very proud of the kids the way they hit the ball today."
Farmington hammered Fayetteville starter Pool (6 IP, 7 runs, 8 hits, 3 walks, 2 strikeouts) in the third inning. Lindsey Blackburn reached when the Bulldog shortstop bobbled her hit and raced to third thanks to her twin sister Lauren's bunt double aided by the throw to third. Oakley Sisemore then got aboard with a bunt single to load the bases.
Sara Beth Jones capitalized on the occasion by driving in a run with a single putting Farmington ahead, 2-1. Brooke Larkin's patience with the bases still loaded led to another Farmington run when she drew a walk.
Fayetteville coach Jason Shirey went out to try and get Pool oriented but an error with Paige Purifoy batting led to Farmington's fourth and fifth runs. Pool then got Smith to fly out to right-field and struck out Bethany Doty but Larkin scored easily on a passed ball for a 6-1 Farmington lead.
Smith helped her cause with a solo home run in the fifth inning.
Sports on 04/23/2014