×

Trojans smack Pirates in ICC battle

Brumbaugh, Smith homer in victory

MOUNT UNION — The Mount Union softball team stayed red hot on Thursday as the Trojans got to one of the Inter-County Conference’s top arms, tagging Elizabeth Frederick for seven runs on the way to a 10-0 mercy rule victory in five innings over Williamsburg at Mount Union High School.

The Trojans (3-0) received production throughout its lineup with Morgan Brumbaugh and Sophie Smith smacking home runs and Kadyn Crisswell, Kaitlin Arnold, Kayshawna Spriggs and Karrigan Woodward each recording hits that went for extra bases in the victory.

Williamsburg (3-1) had runners on first and second in four different innings but were unable to score, yet alone reach third base.

Karrigan Woodward delivered another stellar performance in the circle for Mount Union as the senior threw five shutout innings and was at her best with runners on. Woodward stranded eight Pirates, struck out eight, walked three and gave up just five singles.

“She was able to get ahead in counts today and then we got an out or two before they got baserunners,” Trojans’ coach Matt Fiscus said. “If you can do that, you’re not working yourself into trouble to where if you even give up a flyball it’s a run. We were able to let some people get on, but it never really hurt us because we got that third out several times and against a good team that is what you have to do.”

Kadyn Crisswell sparked the Trojans offense in the first inning, crushing a lead-off triple to deep left field. Crisswell later scored on a sacrifice bunt by Brumbaugh to get the Trojans on the board.

“Kadyn started us off with that triple and that really gave us some confidence that everybody could go out and do that,” Fiscus said. “Smith hit a home run out of the nine spot, and we played really good defense behind Woodward. She pitched a really good game against a good team. We knew that we were going to have to put the ball in play against a good pitcher and I thought that we were able to carry that game plan out. I’m extremely proud.”

Mount Union led 1-0 before a two-run bomb by Brumbaugh to right field pushed the Trojans’ advantage to 3-0. Brumbaugh stayed within herself and took the ball where it was pitched, rocketing the ball down the line and over the fence.

“She kept throwing away and I was ready for it,” Brumbaugh said. “We just had to keep our toes on the line and go with it. She was left-handed and in high school you don’t see a lot of left-handed pitchers. We had to adapt to that and wait for our pitches.”

Mount Union poured it on in the fourth inning, in large part because of Smith’s no-doubt, two-run shot to left field. Smith took a high, hard fastball and deposited it well over the left field fence. Kendra Gardner and Woodward each recorded RBI doubles and the score sat at 7-0 after four innings.

“I could feel it off the bat. It just kind of came and it felt really good,” Smith said. “I think that we had a good game. Everyone made contact and we hit well. I think that we are starting off really well and we need to keep it up.”

Brumbaugh walked to lead off the fifth before scoring on an RBI triple to right-center by Arnold, who came around to score as the throw into third base got away, making the score 9-0. An infield single by Chelsea Williams, followed by a walk by Gracey Cramer put Mount Union in position to end things. Gardner picked up a second RBI on a sacrifice bunt in the inning to score Williams and end the game.

“We had a couple situations where we were able to get a runner on third and we were able to bunt and score on the throw to first,” Fiscus said. “That was a big determining factor in today’s game.”

Overall, Mount Union pounded out 10 runs on 10 hits, with Woodward and Brumbaugh each collecting multiple hits. Brumbaugh recorded three RBIs in the three spot, while Gardner and Smith each drove in two runs. Five different Trojans recorded an RBI in the win.

“I think that we just fed off of each other and kept that momentum going throughout the game,” Brumbaugh said. “It feels good. We’re pretty young this year and it’s felt good to start the season well.”

With the victory the Trojans kept its stellar start going and the Trojans offense has been sizzling early. Mount Union has outscored its opponents 31-4 through its first three outings.

“I think that we can definitely carry it over from these three wins,” Brumbaugh said. “We felt like the beginning of our schedule was going to be tough and to have three wins already is really good for the rest of the season.”

Despite contact tracing making changes to Mount Union’s lineup, Fiscus is especially pleased with how his team has responded against some tough competition early.

“We’ve had a bunch of COVID issues already and we’re missing some people and had people out of position here today,” Fiscus said. “Even in practice we had some different setups, but we have to roll with the punches with it. I’m proud of what we have been able to do so far, we just need to continue to play a good brand of softball.”

Mount Union won’t have to wait long to get back out on the field as the Trojans will travel to Central High School today for a non-conference matchup at 4:30 p.m.

Mount Union 10, Williamsburg 0 (5 innings)

MU 102 43X X — 10 10 0

WBG 000 00X X — 0 5 3

WP: Karrigan Woodward. LP: Elizabeth Frederick. SO: Woodward 8 (MU); Frederick 7, Kara Lansberry 1 (WBG). BB: Woodward 3 (MU). HR: Morgan Brumbaugh, Sophie Smith (MU). 3B: Kadyn Crisswell, Kaitlin Arnold (MU). 2B: Kayshawna Spriggs, Woodward (MU). MH: Woodward 2-3, Spriggs 2-2 (MU); Morgan Webb 2-3 (WBG). RBI: Brumbaugh 3, Smith 2, Kendra Gardner 2, Woodward, Arnold.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today