Kokomo softball prevails, 6-4, over Lady Tigers

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The Kokomo Lady Kats traveled to Northwestern for a friendly county softball game on May 9. With both varsity teams in rebuilding seasons with mostly young staffs, the battle on the field remained close. The Kats managed to hold off the Lady Tigers for a 6-4 win.

Kokomo struck first with a run in the opening frame, but Northwestern took the lead in the second inning when Grace Fischer grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Addy Clark and eventually Leah Turffs on a throwing error.

The Kats regained the lead in the third by plating three runs and extended it in the fourth with another pair. Northwestern answered with two runs in the fifth but could draw no closer.

At the plate for visiting Kokomo, Kinley Martin scattered three hits, including a double. Lanaya Buckner had a pair of hits, including a home run, and drove in a pair of runs. Amirah Marciniak hit a pair of singles to drive in three runs, and Lucy Goad had a pair of hits, including a double.

Northwestern struggled at the plate, managing just four hits. Clark, Stevie-Ray Hedges, Turffs, and Bailey Marcus each had singles.

Goad got the start for Kokomo and lasted four innings for the win. She allowed two runs -- one earned -- on two hits while walking three and striking out three. Emma Lees came on in relief, allowing two unearned runs on two hits while walking three, striking out two, and hitting a batter.

Marcus got out to a rough start on the mound for Northwestern, lasting just two innings. She allowed four runs -- three earned -- on six hits. Hedges came on in relief, allowing two unearned runs on three hits while walking one and striking out nine.

The loss to Kokomo started the Tigers on a four-game skid. Now sitting at 7-14, they travel to Peru this evening, May 19, hoping to return to the win column.

Kokomo's fortunes went in the opposite direction after the contest. The Lady Kats have won five of their last six, improving to 15-10. They next travel to Lafayette Jefferson on May 27.

See additional photos from this contest, featuring Northwestern, courtesy of Goad Sports Media, on the Lantern's Facebook page or group.