Century softball’s bats come alive in 10-2 win over South Carroll; Jordan Currie strikes out 13
Century softball coach Kim Perdue’s recipe for success this season is simple: Support the pitcher with runs.
Monday’s game against South Carroll proved to be an example of how dangerous the Knights can be when the bats come alive.
The Knights supported star pitcher Jordan Currie with 10 runs on 13 hits and Currie thanked her run support with some dominant pitching, striking out 13 as the Knights defeated the Cavaliers, 10-2.
“This team is going to battle, I love it,” Perdue said. “We’ve had the pitching, historically we haven’t had the runs these last couple of years. So it was nice to see us score like this out of the gate.”
The scoring started early. An RBI single from catcher Mackenzie Carver in the first inning got the ball rolling for the Knights (2-0) in their home opener.
Carver, Rileigh Coyle, Abby Mastria, Caylee Clark and Lizzie Ferment each finished with multiple hits as Currie smiled at having the run support.
“It’s nice knowing your teammates have your back,” she said. “When we score it makes it easier for me to pitch and not panic if I give up a hit or run or two because I know we’ll get it back.”
Carver’s second hit, a two-RBI double in the bottom of the fourth, was followed by a Mastria home run the next inning that blew the game open as the Knights leaned on their ace to finish the job.
“I knew once I got the first hit, I would be fine,” Carver, who finished 3-for-4 with three RBIs, said.
Currie was brilliant in the circle. Coming off a strong junior season, Currie made a statement Monday, striking out 13 and only allowing one earned run as she built off another double-digit strikeout performance.
“I was able to get good movement on a lot of my pitches,” Currie said. “It’s something I’ve naturally always been able to do but I’ve been working on it a lot recently.”
The pitcher was also supported with some great defense as Coyle caught a line drive at shortstop and then fired the ball to first to get an overzealous Alayna Enoff out for a double play. Not to be outdone, Clark made a nice diving play at third base for an out as the Knights sealed the deal.
Perdue raved about Currie and her seniors postgame as they were all smiles after the win. The coach beamed with pride describing Currie’s work ethic and commitment after coming off the bench earlier in her Century career and developing into one of the county’s best. With the runs flowing and Currie leading the way in the circle, she is excited for her team’s celling as the Knight try to send their seniors off the right way.
“We can win the county championship if we play like this,” Perdue said. “Our seniors deserve it, so we’re going to work at it as hard as we can, one game at a time.”
South Carroll — 010 100 0 — 2 6 2
Century — 103 420 X — 10 13 3
WP: Jordan Currie LP: Nichole Brosenne
2B: C — Mackenzie Carver, Lizzie Ferment; SC — Gabby Pittinger. HR: C — Abby Mastria.