Softball Recap: Eastern Comes Up Short

Eastern had lost seven straight at home, but on Wednesday they dropped their record down to 1-15 to make it eight. They lost 23-0 to the Rossville Hornets. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Comets have suffered against the Hornets since April 26, 2018.

As for Rossville, the victory (which was their sixth in a row) raised their record to 9-2. Those wins came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 20.7 runs over those games.

For Rossville's part, Avery Layton made a splash while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out six batters over two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and not a single walk). Layton has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in seven consecutive appearances. She was also stellar in the batter's box, going 1-for-4 with four RBI, two runs, and one stolen base. That stolen base marked the first that she has snagged this season.

In other pitching news, Jillian Morris looked comfortable as she tossed three innings while giving up no earned runs off two hits. She has been consistent recently: she hasn't given up more than one walk in four consecutive appearances.

Back at the plate, Rossville got a massive performance out of Autumn Paschal, who went 3-for-4 with three stolen bases, four runs, and two RBI. Those three stolen bases gave Paschal a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Gracie McDonald, who got on base in five of her six plate appearances with three stolen bases, three runs, and one RBI.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Eastern will host Lewis Cass at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Rossville, they will look to defend their home field on Thursday against Delphi Community at 5:30 p.m. The Hornets' pitchers better be ready for this one: the Oracles have averaged an impressive 7.8 runs per game this season.