Whiteland sophomore catcher Maddy Myers figures it was a good spot for second career varsity home run.
Myers hit a three-run homer to help launch Class 4A No. 9 Warriors’ 11-1 victory over visiting Franklin Tuesday in five innings of Mid-State Conference action.
“To be able to come up and show what I can do is great,” Myers said. “I had one homer last season against Greenwood Christian Academy, but that was number two.”
Myers’ second-inning homer gave the Warriors a 3-0 lead.
“It was a great win for the team.” Myers said. “Our bats have been going. It’s been great, and we’ve just got to keep it going all season.”
Whiteland (8-0) got another run with the help of two errors to take a 4-0 lead after two innings, then boosted the lead to 5-0 with singles by Halle Nett and Myers and a sacrifice fly by Ava Smith.
Myers’ single landed just short of the wall.
“If it had a little more air on it,” she said of getting a second homer in the game.
Whiteland coach Katie Mitchell said Myers does a great job at catcher.
“She was hot tonight at the plate,” Mitchell said. “She always brings energy, and I think that shows defensively and offensively.”
Whiteland exploded for six runs in the fourth inning, with Smith and Tara Watson each getting two-run singles.
Warriors senior Debbie Hill struck out seven and allowed just two hits.
“It’s a lot easier when you have confidence in your pitcher when you are behind the plate, knowing she’ll do her job and I’ll do mine,” Myers said.
“Debbie is a great senior leader,” Mitchell added. “She pitches every game with poise,and she knows her defense will back her up.”
Through the first four innings, Hill hadn’t allowed a hit and gave up one walk.
With one out in the fifth, Franklin broke up the shutout when Emily Fugua singled, moved to second on fielder’s choice and scored on Alysa Vaught’s double.
“We knew Debbie Hill was going to be throwing hard,” said Grizzly Cubs coach Kayla Craft, whose team’s record dropped to 4-5. “She’s the best pitcher we’ve faced so far this year. The fact we at least got some hits in a positive. I like to see us work a little more on that type of speed. She’s a good pitcher.”
Craft said she worked on simulating Hill’s speed at practice.
“I think that helped a little,” Craft said. “We’ve got to make adjustments. We’re really young; I think with more experience, we’ll get there.”
Mitchell said team chemistry is a huge positive for the Warriors right now.
“The girls trust each other,” she said. “Every win has been such a team win. I’m proud of everyone stepping up and doing their part.”
