Oak Ridge scored the most runs they've had all season in their first game on Saturday, but it wasn't enough. They fell just short of the Ooltewah Owls by a score of 14-13. Oak Ridge's loss continues an unfortunate trend for the squad, making it eight in a row.
Kaylee Hickman was huge while hitting and pitching even without the win. She struck out nine batters over 5.1 innings while giving up just two earned (and ten unearned) runs off seven hits. Hickman was also big at the plate, scoring two runs while going 3-for-5.
In other batting news, Brenna Bradshaw made the most of her time at bat despite the final result and scored three runs and stole two bases while going 2-for-3. Morgan Perry was another key contributor, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 1-for-4.
Like Oak Ridge, Ooltewah also got a great game from a two-way player: Hailey Schmidt. She looked comfortable on the mound, striking out seven batters over seven innings while giving up seven earned (and six unearned) runs off ten hits. Schmidt has been nothing but reliable: she hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in three consecutive pitching appearances. Schmidt was also solid in the batter's box, scoring a run and stealing a base while going 2-for-4.
In other batting news, the team relied heavily on Katelyn Gelbaugh, who scored three runs and stole two bases while getting on base in three of her five plate appearances. She is on a roll when it comes to stolen bases, as she's now stolen at least one in the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Sophie Harris, who scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4.
Oak Ridge's defeat dropped their record down to 3-11. As for Ooltewah, their victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 6-12.
Coincidentally, the two teams will both be playing West the next time they take the field. Oak Ridge will head out to face West at 1:00 p.m. in their first game on Saturday, while Ooltewah will play them later in the day, at 1:00 p.m.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
