Lady Spartans softball begins season at Carbon

By GARY ARRINGTON Sports writer

The Emery High Lady Spartan softball team lost a heartbreaker in their season opener played at Carbon High School. Under miserable playing conditions, Emery allowed 10 runs in the final two innings of the game and lost 13-12.
Emery scored one run in the first inning, two runs in the third inning, three runs in the fourth inning, two more runs in the fifth inning and four runs in the seventh inning but came up just short in this preseason game.
In the first inning, Markette Tanner got on base due to a Dino error and Shelby Mason tripled her home on a 1-2 pitch. The hit was to right center field.
In the third inning, Makia Sherman walked, Tanner again got on base due to an error and McKenzie Grange doubled them both home on a hit to centerfield.
In the fourth inning, Michelle Oliver singled, followed by JoLynn Jennings getting on base due to a Carbon error. Sherman then got walked again and Tanner singled to score a run. Grange then singled to score another run.
In the fourth inning, Oliver singled and then Jennings on a 1-0 pitch, hit a homerun over the centerfield fence for Emery’s two runs.
In the seventh inning, Abbie Kay walked and Oliver got hit by a pitch followed by Jennings getting walked. Emery had the bases loaded with the top of the line-up up to bat. Sherman then walked to force in a run. Tanner hit into a fielder’s choice to score another run. Grange then singled to score two more runs that closed out the scoring for the game.
Grange led the way in the game with three base hits in five at bats and knocked in five runs. Oliver had two hits in the game and scored three runs. Jennings and Tanner each also scored three runs in the game.
Through five innings, Emery pitching had allowed two base hits and no earned runs. Andy Smith at pitch had seven strikeouts. In the sixth inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, the next five batters got on base and eight Carbon runners eventually scored in the inning.
Emery now will travel to North Sevier this Tuesday and then will play six games this Thursday through Saturday in the St. George area. The team is looking forward to warmer weather.