Ottawa High School dropped 10 runs on Emporia High School Thursday, effectively putting game one of a doubleheader with the Cyclones out of reach.
The Cyclones ultimately prevailed 19-3. It was a tough deal for Lady Spartan pitcher Alivia Barrett, who gave up 20 hits and five earned runs in seven innings of work, while walking four batters and striking out four. Delaney Davis led the Spartan offense with a 1-2 effort at the plate, collecting an RBI.
“I think game one was mostly nerves,” said Emporia coach Tommy McClure in a text message. “First home game, and the girls seemed tight.”
In the following contest, fortunes changed. Emporia garnered the win, 4-3. The Lady Spartans took a 4-0 lead into the top of the seventh, but a three-run Cyclone rally threatened an Emporia victory.
“We got to game two and had some big plays defensively that helped keep the energy going with Davis in the circle, which kept the freshman calm and enjoying the game,” McClure explained.
Davis pitched a complete game, striking out five, against two walks, and giving up 11 hits and one earned run.
“We had some big hits from Ultreras, Barrett and Sewell. We got lots of room to improve, but I think the girls are committed to making those improvements. We will look to get to 3-1 tomorrow.”
Ultreras and Sewell were the heavy hitters in gametwo, each player going 3-3. Ultreras registered an RBI and belted a triple. Barrett went 2-3 with an RBI.
The Lady Spartans indeed moved to 3-1 Friday, in a doubleheader against Wichita South. Emporia posted big numbers in both games, shutting out the Lady Titans, 10-0 and 19-0, respectively.
Ultreras picked up where she left off, stealing three bases, driving in five runs, and again going 3-3. One of her hits went yard. Oaklie Dawson also notched three of the Spartans’ 11 hits, and Barrett quickly made Emporia fans forget Thursday’s pitching performance, recording 12 strikeouts with no walks and three hits allowed.
Ultreras remained in her offensive groove in the nightcap, knocking in five runs and going 2-2, while registering her second home run of the season. The Lady Spartans put 14 runs on the scoreboard in the first inning and basically closed the deal early. Marley Sewell also swung the bat well, going 2-3 with four RBIs and a triple. Despite the nine-hit endeavor and high score, McClure still feels hitting is an area that can progress.
“We got to work on our hitting to help improve and get some confidence,” McClure said. “Liv bounced back, had a great outing. Yz is still batting strong. Young players are gaining more confidence. Look to put up two good games vs. Hayden Tuesday.”