Blue skies would welcome Dodge for their home opener against Warner Robins on Monday in Eastman. The defending region champions would get on the board in the first inning. Jaye Hilliard got a lead off bunt single. Clair Greer laid down a great sacrifice bunt that got Hilliard all the way to third with just one out. Greer would score her on a big two out hit and Dodge led 1-0 at the end of the first.
Ashton Holt got the start on the mound for Dodge. The senior was dominating, allowing what would be the only base runner of the game to lead off with a double to second. The runner made it to third with no outs but Holt struck out the side and left the runner at third.
The game stayed just 1-0 going to the bottom of the third. The Dodge speed would take over the game. Dodge would play ‘small ball’ to set the table. Hilliard and Greer had infield singles to set the table. Holt hit a line drive double right to center field for a 3-0 Dodge lead. Katie Selph would drive Holt in for a 4-0 lead. Dodge would take a 6-0 lead to the fourth.
Dodge would continue assault in the bottom of the fourth. Greer would single in Hilliard for a 7-0 Dodge lead. Hilliard had a big game out in the lead off spot with three hits, three runs scored and a pair of stolen bases. Holt then followed up with a very long homer well over the right the right field fence for a 9-0 Dodge lead. Nikki Graham capped off the game scoring with a double, bringing across the plate Selph and Blakelyn Bundick for an 11-0 lead.
Holt got the Lady Demons out in order in the fifth inning for a final score of 11-0. Holt allowed one hit with no walks, ten strike outs, and only two balls out of the infield.
Coach Amanda Hill was very pleased about Monday’s win. She stated “We bunted the ball real well today and set the table well for the heart of the order. I was really pleased with the defense as well.”
The Lady Indians traveled to Fitzgerald his past weekend to kick off their 2011 season. After consecutive rainouts the previous week, the Lady Indians were anxious and excited to finally take the field and swing the bat. Quint Bush and Big Wolf Radio 97.5 were on hand to brave the soaring temperature and broadcast three of the games for the fans back home.
Senior All-State pitcher and slugger Ashton Holt started the day off against Irwin County. Holt pitched well on a very hot morning and knocked her first homerun of the year clearing the right field fence with plenty of room to spare.
After four innings, the score was tied 4-4, Katie Selph came in to relieve Holt. The Lady Indians’ bats came alive and they edged out Irwin, 8-6, to take the win.
Dodge took on the Baconton Blazers next and behind the pitching of Selph and the bats of Holt and Jaye Hilliard, took their second win of the young season.
The Lady Indians knew the first two games were warm-up games compared to who they would face in game three.
After a short rain delay, the Dodge batters came to the plate facing the same tough Berrien County pitcher that put the 2010 Lady Indians out of the State Tournament in Columbus a year ago.
Holt kept us in the game on the mound and at the end of regulation play, the score was tied 3-3. But the International Tie-breaker went Berrien’s way and the Lady Indians were served their first loss of the year by a score of 3-6.
Dodge bounced back finding themselves facing the tough Irwin County team again.
Selph took the mound and turned in a great performance behind strong defense and strong bats, never letting Irwin mount a serious threat.
Dodge tallied their third win of the young season against one loss and was poised to make a run for the championship when the thunderstorms returned and the tournament was called for inclement weather.
The future looks very bright for the 2011 Lady Indians. Several All-Region and All-State performers return this year and they have enormous depth at every position with girls that can step in at any time.
The Lady Indians JV team traveled to West Laurens Tuesday to kick off their season.
The Varsity plays this Thursday at Home against Jeff Davis with the first pitch scheduled for 5:55 p.m. The Lady Indians wish to thank the boosters for all their volunteer effort at fund raising and improving the field for the season.
Thanks to all the local businesses and supporters that once again, filled our outfield fence with sponsor signs.
Please come out and support us and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/indianssoftball.
