Wartburg Lady Bulldogs Overpower Midway 11-1, April 4, 2019
The Wartburg Central Lady Bulldogs turned their outing with the Midway Lady Waves into a home run derby on their way to an 11-1 victory over Midway.
Alexis Harrison kicked things off for the Lady Bulldogs in the first inning with a solo home run over the left field fence. Allie Aytes and Lydia Smith were each walked by Midway pitcher Sophia Patterson, and both scored on a Midway error to give the Lady Bulldogs a 3-0 lead at the end of the first inning.
Neither team could score until Wartburg went on a scoring spree in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs, Sydney Aytes and Jacey Gouge walked, bringing Alexis Harrison to the plate with two on base. For the second time, Harrison planted the ball deep over the left field fence, extending Wartburg’s lead to 6-0. Allie Aytes then singled to center field, and Lydia Smith stepped up and knocked one over the center field fence, scoring two. The inning ended with two Wartburg runners on base and the score 8-0.
Midway came on strong in the top of the fifth inning, with Shealeigh Moses and Emma Hill each hitting singles. Macy Young then singled, scoring Moses. The Lady Waves could not muster any more points, and Midway trailed 8-1 going into the bottom of the fifth inning.
Lady Bulldog Taylin Griffith made it on base due to a Midway error, but the next two Bulldog batters flied out. Once again, the Lady Bulldogs stepped up with two outs. Alexis Harrison was intentionally walked, giving Wartburg runners at first and second. Allie Aytes loaded the bases by making it to first on a dropped third strike. Olivia Jones stole home, giving Wartburg a 9-1 lead with two runners on base. Lydia Smith was then hit by a pitch, loading the bases for Wartburg. Cynthia Susak singled on a line drive to left field, scoring both Harrison and Aytes, At this point, Wartburg led 11-1 and the Lady Bulldogs walked away with a mercy-rule victory.
Madelyn “Bit” Cox was the winning pitcher for Wartburg. She pitched all five innings, allowing seven hits and one run while striking out four and walking none. Midway pitchers Sophia Patterson and Aubrie May gave up seven hits and eight walks, while striking out two.
The victory gives Wartburg a 3-3 record and fourth place in District 3A. The Lady Waves fall to 3-6 and remain in fifth place in the district.
In addition to the highlight photos below, ninety-two high resolution game photos are available on Flickr at the following link https://flic.kr/s/aHsmx9PJpS. Photos may be viewed, downloaded, or printed for personal, non-commercial use. Click on any photo to view a larger version.
