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South Elgin powers past Larkin
Updated: May 6, 2011 10:16PM
South Elgin played a little home run derby at Larkin on Friday, hitting three long balls in an 8-0 Upstate Eight Conference crossover win over the Royals.
Cara Wolf, Victoria Watt and Kara Rodriguez all went deep for the Storm. Wolf and Watt both hit two-run homers in the first inning as the Storm (14-10, 7-6) jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Sam Bolin pitched a shutout to improve to 11-7.
“We have really started hitting the ball lately,” said South Elgin coach Jason Schaal. “We are just being more selective and staying aggressive at the plate. We were able to put up some runs early and that helped to get us the momentum.”
For Wolf, her home run over the fence in right-center field was the first of her varsity career.
“I couldn’t be happier for her,” said Schaal. “She’s worked real hard to earn some more at-bats lately and she made the most of her opportunity today.”
The senior has struggled at the plate most of the season and has seen limited playing time, but that was all forgotten when she took the first pitch thrown to her and belted it over the fence.
“I knew as soon as I hit it I got it right on the sweet part of the bat,” said Wolf. “I just went up to the plate with a clear mind and just wanted to make good contact. When it went over the fence it was exciting. It felt good.”
Katelyn Stonecipher opened the first inning for the Storm with a leadoff double. Alyssa Buddle drove in the first run with a single and Bolin followed with an RBI double. Watt capped the scoring in the first inning with a two-run blast.
That was more than enough support for Bolin, who blanked the Royals (8-18, 1-9) on five hits. She struck out eight and walked none.
“Sam pitched a great game,” said Schaal. “She was very effective by getting ahead in the count and we played some good defense behind her.”
Larkin starter Kiernan Schock settled down after her rough start to blank the Storm over the next four innings before surrendering a two-run homer to Rodriguez in the sixth. Megan Johnson came on in relief to throw 1 2/3 scoreless innings. The Royals lineup has been decimated by injuries and other absences. They were missing five starters on Friday.
“This has been about one of the toughest weeks I can remember,” said Larkin coach Larry Hight. “It’s pretty tough when you’re missing your top four hitters. But the other girls are trying their best and that’s all we can ask for.”
Schock had two hits for the Royals.
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