Huntley pounds out 20 hits in 16-0 win
With the temperature hovering around 45 degrees, it didn’t seem like a day hitters would thrive.
The Huntley hitters certainly didn’t mind the chilly conditions.
Pounding out 20 hits with 6 extra base hits, the Red Raiders were able to pummel Crystal Lake Central 16-0 in a 5-inning Fox Valley Conference crossover softball game in Crystal Lake Friday afternoon.
“I was really proud of how many quality at bats we had today,” said Huntley coach Mark Petryniec. “Our approach was excellent and our pitch selection was excellent. We worked the count and swung at good pitches. It was good to see us swing the bats so well against quality pitching like Central has.”
Scoring a run in the first inning on an RBI double by Mackenzie Brown, the Red Raiders (4-0) seized control of the game with an 8-runm 9-hit barrage in the second inning.
With 13 batters coming to the plate, the keys hits for the Red Raiders were a 3-run double by Brown, an RBI Triple by Ashley Laxner and RBI singles from Tamara Funke and Angela Tribuzio.
The Red Raiders added a run in the third on an RBI double by Brown, 2 in the fourth and 4 in the fifth, keyed by a 3-run homer from Laxner which easily cleared the left-field fence.
Laxner, who bats ninth, led Huntley’s offensive assault with a 3-for-4 effort with a triple, homer and 5 RBI.
“I actually enjoy batting ninth, “ said Laxner. “I don’t mind it at all. I get to see a lot of good pitches. So far this season I have really felt comfortable at the plate. I am really focusing and getting my hips around. Hitting is very contagious on this team. Everybody in the lineup is swinging the bat well. It is a nice feeling”
Other than Laxner exploits, Brown was 3-of-4 with 3 doubles and 5 RBI and Funke was 4-for-4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Leadoff hitter Brittany Koss, the catalyst in the Huntley offense, collected 3 hits with 3 stolen bases and 2 runs scored and Tribuzio delivered 3 hits with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored.
With plenty of offensive support, sophomore pitcher Haley Spannraft was able to pitch relaxed and hurled a 5-inning, 4-hit shutout. She struck out 3 without allowing a walk.