Freshmen pitchers collect first win of their high school careers
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KELSEYVILLE >> Josie Keithly slugged two-run home runs in the first and fourth innings Thursday afternoon as the Kelseyville Knights broke into the win column, beating the Orland Trojans 6-3 in non-league softball action at Kelseyville.
Keithly homered over the fence in right-center field in the first inning before sending another ball over the fence in straightaway center field in the fourth. The two home runs helped Kelseyville (1-3) build a 6-2 lead, which was more than enough run support for freshman starting pitcher Madison Byrne, who limited Orland to only one hit while striking out nine and walking four. It was the first win of her high school career.
“Josie Keithly delivered a beyond outstanding performance at the plate with two home runs and four RBIs,” Kelseyville head coach Brittany Rumfelt said. “Madison Byrne was equally impressive, excelling both in the circle and at the plate.”
Byrne helped her own cause by going 2-for-3 at the plate. Keithly has three home runs in Kelseyville’s first four games.
“I am especially proud of the athletes for stepping up to the challenge in their respective roles,” Rumfelt said. “It takes every individual to make a team.”
AJ Wurm went 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI for Kelseyville. Jordyn Wurm and Mati Mateer also had hits.
Kelseyville travels to McKinleyville on Tuesday for a 4 p.m. game.
In other softball action Tuesday:
Clear Lake 14, Willits 4 (5 inn.)
At Lakeport, freshman Amelie Davis made her first high school start, tossing a five-inning complete game as the Clear Lake Cardinals 10-runned the Willits Wolverines.
“She’s just a fun, nice girl who enjoys playing,” Clear Lake head coach Scott Schaefers said of Davis, who allowed four hits while striking out two and walking five.
Her reaction to her first high school win?
“She had an ear-to-ear smile,” Schaefers said, nothing that Davis also fielded her position well while working out of a couple of early jams. “She just enjoys playing and has a smile on her face all the time.”
Faith McIntire (2-for-3, double) and Cali Albaum (2-for-3) had the hot bats for Clear Lake (4-1), driving in three runs apiece. Kam Cresto (1-fo-1) drove in two more runs while Abbi Malley (1-for-3) and Lindee Bingham (1-for-4) also knocked in runs.
Trailing 3-2 going to the bottom of the third, the Cardinals batted around and scored eight times to push ahead to stay.
Clear Lake opens play in the Cloverdale Tournament on Friday, March 20. The Cardinals play two more games on March 21.
