Softball: Warren edges Antioch as ninth-place hitters excel

The ninth-place hitters shined for both teams in a softball season opener between Antioch and Warren.

For visiting Antioch, right fielder Callie Tubbs delivered a key 2-run double.

For Warren, center fielder Ashlyn Kitter laced a double, but it was her 2-run single that was key.

Warren pitching ace Caitlyn Britton took a 1-hit shutout to the fifth inning on Friday. She was working with a 5-run lead, but Antioch came back with 5 late runs and forced extra innings.

Britton redeemed herself with the game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth, as Warren prevailed 7-6.

"I was frustrated with myself," Britton said. "I didn't think it was that cold. I really wanted to win the game for my team."

Warren struck first with a five-run second frame. The big blow came from No. 9 hitter Kitter.

"I'm kind of slap hitter," Kitter said. "My job is to turn the lineup over."

After the big production from the Warren bats, Antioch brought in reliever Jeri Bonaguidi. She fired 3 innings of 1-hit ball.

"We might have some of the tiniest players in the state," Antioch coach Anthony Rocco joked. "We are not power hitters."

Britton sailed into the fifth without trouble. But Tubbs drove in 2 runs with a ringing double, Megan Lawrence added a run-scoring single, and the Sequoits pulled even at 5-5.

Kitter doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the sixth.

Britton opened the seventh with a strikeout. Lawrence then went the opposite way with a solo homer, sending this game to extra innings.

Britton, who last season had a Lake County-record 78 RBI, ended the game one inning later.

"We have some really good young players this year," Britton said.

Britton recorded 6 strikeouts to go with just 1 walk. Bonaguidi was saddled with a tough loss.

Tubbs and Lawrence each had a pair of hits for Antioch.

Warren third baseman Carissa Topolinski singled and doubled.