Softball Recap: Varina comes up short despite Hailey Butler's strong performance

By Team Reports Apr 30, 2024, 9:33pm

Softball Recap: Varina Blue Devils vs. Patrick Henry Patriots

After soaring to ten runs the game before, Varina was a bit more limited in their contest on Tuesday. They lost 8-2 to the Patrick Henry Patriots. The result was an unpleasant reminder to Varina of the 13-0 loss they experienced in the pair's previous head-to-head fixture back in March.

Hailey Butler was huge no matter where she played even without the win. On the mound, she struck out 14 batters over six innings while giving up four earned (and four unearned) runs off five hits (and not a single walk). Butler has been consistent recently: she hasn't tossed less than 12 strikeouts every time she's pitched this season. Butler was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-3.

Butler wasn't the only one making solid contact as two players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Hailey Martin, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI.

Varina has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 6-6 record this season. As for Patrick Henry, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 5-7.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Varina will take on Armstrong at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Patrick Henry, they will play host again on Wednesday to welcome Powhatan, where first pitch is scheduled at 6:00 p.m. Powhatan is coming into the game with five straight wins on the road, so Patrick Henry will have to stop a team with plenty of momentum.

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