WEST UNION, W.Va. — Doddridge County pitcher Kenna Curran struck out 15 batters and yielded just five hits as the Bulldogs’ avenged their only loss of the season with a 10-4 victory over Robert C. Byrd Wednesday afternoon.
Curran, who entered the game averaging 11 strikeouts per contest, did not walk a batter as she improved to 3-1 on the season.
“Last time we played them, she struck out 14 and we still lost. She has done her job on the mound. We just have to pick it up offensively for her,” said Doddridge County head coach Wesley Ezell.
RCB (4-2) opened the scoring just four batters into the game when Ava Junkins hit a two-run home run for the Flying Eagles. Doddridge cut the deficit in half on a run-scoring double from Josalyn Lipscomb. The Bulldogs busted the game wide open with an eight-run third inning to take a 9-2 lead.
“I think just the opportunity to see them a couple times through the lineup gives them a lot better opportunity to see what speed the pitches are coming in.”
The Flying Eagles chipped away at the deficit with single runs in the fourth and sixth innings. But Curran retired the final four batters of the game in succession to seal the victory.
RCB defeated Doddridge 5-4 one week ago in Clarksburg.
“That was one of our first games. Not taking anything away from them. They are a good team and Mary [Mayer] does a great job coaching them. They are always prepared. But today, we just hit the ball a lot better than we did the last time we played them.”
The Bulldogs, ranked eighth in Class A in the initial MetroNews High School Softball Coaches poll, have won four consecutive games.
“We’ve still got a lot of growth and a long way to go. I still feel like we will get there. We’ve got some freshmen at some pivotal positions. They’re learning and our older girls are doing a great job of mentoring them.”
Lipscomb went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI to pace the Bulldogs. Bell Holtz also had two hits for DCHS.
Avery Childers scored three runs for the Flying Eagles and she reached base in all three of her at bats.