E-Gals offense solid in win over Lady Devils

March 29, 2019 | 1:41 am

Updated March 29, 2019 | 1:45 am

Apollo's offense was solid in a win over Owensboro. | Photo by Ryan Richardson

Madison Shemwell led off the game with a home run and the Apollo softball team used small ball the rest of the way in a five-inning, 13-1 win over Owensboro at Shifley Park on Thursday.

The E-Gals (3-3) used 13 hits — one homer and 12 singles — and worked their way around the bases with bunts and line drives. It was one of the cleanest games defensively for the Lady Devils (0-4), but they struggled offensively and weren’t able to manufacture a hit.

Apollo head coach Stephen Julian was happy with the at-bats and the offensive effort by his team.

“I think we came out focused,” he said. “We executed on our bunts. For the most part, I’m pretty pleased with our approach at the plate. Executing the bunts was big tonight for us. It kept some innings going.”

On the flip side, Owensboro head coach Bryan Smith was happy with the defensive outing for his squad. They struggled in the field last week, but had only a single error against Apollo.

“It was a pretty clean game for us defensively,” he said. “The bunting game got us a little bit on some decision making, but we’ll get better at that. I’m not discouraged. I’m glad we played better defensively.”

Apollo did most of their scoring in bunches, putting up six runs in both the third and fifth innings. Brooke Brown (2-for-2, 2 runs, RBI) led off the third inning with a bunt, and after stealing second she scored on a single by Keely Eans. Hallie Wilson and Madison Julian (3-for-4, 2 RBIs, run) also laid down bunts, and the E-gals finished with six hits in the inning.

Brown put down another bunt in the fifth and eventually scored on a single by Mattie Lyons (2-for-4, 3 RBIs, run). Apollo only had three hits, but they also drew three walks to score six runs.

Though they’ve got some power, Julian said the E-Gals will likely have a mix of hard-hit singles and long balls this season.

“I don’t think we’ll be a home run hitting team, but we’ve hit four already,” he said. “If we play like we’re supposed to, we should be competitive and swing the bats pretty decent.”

The lone run for Owensboro came in the third inning and started when Lindsey Gibson drew a leadoff walk. She moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Bailey McCalister, then took third and home on separate wild pitches.

Keely Eans got the win for Apollo, going 3.0 innings while giving up a run, walking four and striking out four. Madison Julian finished the game in the circle and struck out four.

Aubrie Schueler took the loss in 1.2 innings of work, giving up three hits and a run.

AHS 106-06—13-13-0
OHS 001-00—1-0-1
WP: Eans. LP: Schueler. HR: Shemwell.

March 29, 2019 | 1:41 am

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