RAYMOND, Miss. – The Hinds Community College Softball team opened their home slate and delivered a competitive split against nationally ranked Parkland College Cobras in an exciting doubleheader at Rene T. Warren Field on Thursday afternoon.
GAME ONE
Hinds wasted no time setting the tone in the home opener. The Lady Eagles exploded for four runs in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on patience at the plate and aggressive base running.
Addison Galloway drew a leadoff walk and later scored on a sharp double to the gap by
Alyx Hall.
Emma Hudson reached on a fielder's choice, and both she and Hall crossed the plate following a Parkland error off the bat of
Mackenzie Smith. After swiping second, Smith came around to score on an RBI groundout by
Aubrie Carter to cap the four-run frame.
Hinds added an insurance run in the fifth inning when
Jalia McDaniel ripped a leadoff triple and scored on a groundout by Hudson, extending the lead.
In the circle,
Claire Mellard continued her dominant stretch to open the season. The sophomore tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs on seven hits while striking out three. With the win, Mellard improved to a perfect 6-0 on the year.
GAME TWO
Game two presented a different challenge as the Lady Eagles battled but came up just short. Hinds showed discipline at the plate, drawing six walks and putting consistent pressure on the Cobra defense. Galloway once again sparked the offense with a leadoff walk and later scored on a Parkland error.
In the third inning, Hudson and Hall worked back-to-back walks, advanced on a wild pitch, and both scored on another Cobra miscue.
Xiomara Fireplace continued her strong performance with a triple to right field in the fourth and later scored on an RBI single by
Adyson McKnight.
Abby McLean delivered a solid outing in her second start of the season. Between the fourth and sixth innings, she recorded six of nine outs via strikeout and finished with eight punchouts over six innings of work.
Jazmin Robertson entered in relief in the seventh, allowing one run while adding a strikeout.
With the split, Hinds moves to 10-1 overall on the season.
The Lady Eagles return to action today as they host No. 10 Kirkwood Eagles for another ranked matchup at home. First Pitch is set for 2 PM.
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