ALTAMONT — Snapping a four-game losing streak, the Labette County Grizzlies took down the Independence Bulldogs, 13-6, in SEK League softball action on Wednesday at home.
“This is how we play. Our talent and our record doesn’t match our talents,” Labette County head coach Hanna Haraughty said. “We’re learning to play together and how to play the game.”
In Wednesday’s win, Grizzlies pitcher Sierra Hill tossed a complete game, allowing six hits and just two earned runs while striking out seven and walking one.
“She’s working really hard,” Haraughty said. “I’m really proud of her. She’s doing what she can out there. She’s got a solid defense back there. She’s throwing strikes and doing a great job.”
Hitting out of the seven- hole, second baseman Malaya Broadwell had three hits, including a double, and two RBIs for the Grizzlies.
“I tried to put together our lineup strategically today,” Haraughty said. “We didn’t want our lineup to shut off midway through. I told our girls not to worry about where they’re at in the lineup. We had to be strategic and she really came through for us.”
Karsyn Bates had a two-hit game for the Grizzlies.
Prior to Wednesday’s win, Labette County endured a four-game losing streak with two losses to Columbus and one apiece to Baxter Springs and Girard. The Grizzlies were outscored, 58-14, over the four defeats.
“It’s been defeating, but we haven’t played anybody we couldn’t beat,” Haraughty said. “We’re beating ourselves. We’ve got to get to where we’re playing to our ability and showing that on the field.”
Wednesday’s win improved Labette County’s record to 3-5 overall and 3-0 in SEK League play.
Up next
Labette County plays backto- back SEK League games against the Chanute Blue Comets. The Grizzlies hosted the Blue Comets on Thursday before traveling to Chanute on Monday.
“They’re usually very solid,” Haraughty said. “Our whole thing is we have to hit the ball in places and be meaningful. We have to have meaningful at-bats. That’s no matter who we’re facing. We need to place the ball and create chaos on the field. We have to make the other team question what they’re supposed to do.”
