Softball Recap: Robert C. Byrd Takes a Loss

Robert C. Byrd had lost seven straight on the road dating back to last season, but on Friday they dropped their record down to 1-17 to make it eight. They lost 11-0 to the Grafton Bearcats. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Eagles have suffered against the Bearcats since April 21, 2015.

As for Grafton, they have been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matches. That's provided a nice bump to their 11-5-1 record this season. The victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 11.8 runs over those games.

For Grafton's part, Lillie Crimm was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She didn't allow a single earned run and allowed only one hit while striking out 12 over five innings pitched. Crimm has been nothing but reliable on the mound: she hasn't given up more than one earned run in seven consecutive appearances. She was also big at the plate, going 1-for-2 with three RBI, one stolen base, and one run. That's the most RBI she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Isabella Hayhurst and Lydia Wildroudt did most of the damage at the plate: Hayhurst got on base in all three of her plate appearances with two stolen bases, three runs, and one triple, while Wildroudt went a perfect 2-for-2 with one stolen base, one run, and one double. Those three runs gave Hayhurst a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Ruth Horne, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases and two runs.

Looking ahead, Robert C. Byrd is taking a road trip to challenge Parkersburg South at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. The Patriots' pitching crew has only allowed 2.5 runs per game this season, so the Eagles' hitters will have their work cut out for them. As for Grafton, they have already played their next game, a 5-1 defeat against North Marion on the 26th.