Empire softball looking to build on success

The Empire softball team is off to a 4-4 start in the young season. The Lady Bulldogs won three of  their last four games heading into Tuesday’s matchup with Ninnekah.

The Lady Bulldogs seized control early with four runs in the bottom of the first, which was the beginning of a 9-1 run through the first four innings.

The Lady Badgers picked up three runs in the fifth to cut the lead to 9-4, but the Lady Bulldogs got one run back in the bottom half of the inning and then added two more in the sixth to end the game.

Seven Empire players had hits in the game, led by a 2-for-4 performance by Halli Hayes. Natalie Williams drove in two runs and was 1-for-4 at the plate. Chazli Massey, Autumn Powers, Laynie Johnson, Kylie Lemons and Chanlie Rochell each had a hit. Johnson had a triple and Lemons had a double.

Williams was the winning pitcher, giving up three earned runs on four hits. She struck out four and walked none.

It was a wild game with Minco. The game was tied at 9-all through five innings when Minco went ahead for good with three runs in the top of the sixth.

The Lady Bulldogs could not answer in their half of the inning to end the game.

Empire battled and was in the game until the end despite eight errors and being out-hit 13-6.

Chanlie Rochell led Empire by going 2-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored. Laynie Johnson, Kylie Lemons, Cady Hill and Natalie Williams all had one hit. Johnson had a triple in the game.

Williams was the losing pitcher, giving up five earned runs.

In the first match-up, Empire broke open a close game with nine runs in the fourth inning. The Lady Bulldogs took the lead in the second inning with three runs.

Sarah Vanderburg had a big game at the plate, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and a run scored. Natalie Williams was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI. Autumn Powers, Cady Hill and Kylie Lemons also collected hits. Williams and Lemons had doubles in the contest.

A crazy first inning saw the teams combine for 24 runs with Empire holding a 13-11 lead at the end.

The Lady Bulldogs would then add seven more runs in the second to put the game away.

Empire scored the runs on just seven hits as they took advantage of five errors and 14 walks.

Sarah Vanderburg went 2-for-3 with four RBI and a double to pace the offense. Chazli Massey, Hallli Hayes, Laynie Johnson, Kylie Lemons and Cady Hill recorded hits.

Kylie Lemons was the winning pitcher.  

Chattanooga rallied with four runs over the final two innings to take the win.

Empire scored four runs in the top of the second to take a 4-1 lead and then was up 5-2 after four innings.

Chazli Massey went 2-for-4 with three RBI and Cady Hill went 2-for-3 with two RBI to lead Empire on offense. Autumn Powers and Laynie Johnson also had hits.

Williams took the loss on the mound.