Knights rough up M’town for second straight North Central I softball victory
Lake County Sports on Facebook
MIDDLETOWN >> Kylee Denham went 5-for-5 and drove in a run as the Kelseyville Knights pounded out a season-best 17 hits while beating the Middletown Mustangs 13-4 in North Central League I softball action Thursday afternoon in Middletown.
After starting the season 0-6, including losses in their first two league games, the Knights (2-2 league, 2-6) have now won two straight. The young squad, with a roster that features only one senior, certainly found its hitting touch on Thursday against a Middletown team that was coming off a big win at Fort Bragg earlier in the week.
“We played a great game,” Kelseyville head coach Brittany Rumfelt said. “Our bats finally came around.”
The Knights received contributions from up and down their lineup while also tightening up things on defense. Denham led the way at the plate while also scoring four times. Winning pitcher Ashlyn Wurm, who has thrown complete games in both of the Knights’ wins, added three more hits, one of them a triple, while driving in three runs, and Morgan Rogers went 2-for-4 with three runs scored and three RBIs. Mati Mateer and Josie Keithly each had two hits, with Keithly driving in two runs and Mateer one.
“Denham had a great day at the plate,” Rumfelt added.
Kelseyville’s first-year coach also praised the play in the field from the likes of left fielder Cali Schnabl, who was playing only her second game at that position, third baseman Keithly, and shortstop Aubree Sperber.
Sperber, Schnabl and Jordyn Wurm had the Knights’ other hits.
Losing pitcher Taluelah Madrid, who also pitched a complete game, struck out four and walked three. She also led the Mustangs (2-3, 5-5) at the plate with three hits. Jaylee Doris went 2-for-4 while Brooklyn Wood, Sarah Fetters, Ally Cherry and Allison Pina each had a hit.
“We came out flat after our win at Fort Bragg,” Middletown head coach Bob Gunion said.
Kelseyville can run its winning streak to three games with a victory Friday at home against Clear Lake. Middletown returns to action Tuesday at home against Upper Lake.
