The Hamilton High School softball team bounced back from a loss to Nettleton by shutting out Columbus 11-0 on Thursday.
The Lady Lions had just six hits, but scored five runs on errors, passed balls and wild pitches.
Hamilton (9-8) got a complete game from pitcher Anna Imel, who gave up two hits and struck out six in five innings.
Hamilton coach Jason Cobb thought his team started the game flat after an emotional 8-3 loss at Nettleton that saw the team give up five runs in an error-laden fifth inning. The Lady Lions started Thursday”s game by going three up, three down in the first inning.
“I was aggravated at the beginning because I though we were just flat,” Cobb said. “We had a big game against the defending (Class) 3A state champs on Tuesday, and we were up for that game. But I think we started this game flat from that and tonight was a little bit different type of atmosphere and pitching.”
Still, Hamilton never looked threatened after scoring three runs in the second inning and taking a 4-0 lead in the third following an RBI from Imel.
In the third inning, Columbus threatened to score after going down in order in each of the first two innings. The Lady Falcons loaded the bases before Imel got out of the jam by striking out Qula Fulton.
Imel retired the first two batters in the third before Shaquanza Riley walked and Kierra Erby reached with a bunt single. An infield single by KaDarryl Ledbetter loaded the bases, but the Lady Falcons were unable to score.
Columbus went down in order in each of the next two innings, while Hamilton scored six runs in the fourth inning.
Raimi Bryan had an RBI fielder”s choice and Imel had an RBI single in the inning.
Caitlyn Atkins registered an RBI triple in the fifth for the game”s final run.
Columbus (0-10) plays host to Noxubee County on Saturday in search of its first win of the season. The Lady Falcons play at Starkville on Tuesday.
“I tried a couple of people at different positions because we have some that are going to prom tonight,” Columbus coach Alissa Wriley said. “We still worked hard regardless. We are at 50 percent and still have a ways to go. I feel that if we keep working we”re going to get better.”
Atkins led Hamilton by going 2-for-3 with an RBI and a triple. Imel helped her cause with two RBIs.
Erby and Ledbetter each went 1-for-2.
Hamilton returns to the field Tuesday at Hatley.
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