Late Start, Quick Finish: WG 20, Hazelwood West 0

It was almost 3:45 by the time we were on our way to Hazelwood West to take on the Wildcats. Although the game didn’t start until a little after 4:30 we were on our way home by 5:30, even spending time celebrating Friday’s birthday with cookies, cake, and a 20-0 (her number is 20) shutout. It takes a little time to score that many runs, and the final inning featured two “Code Blue” calls (our runner leaves early to generate an out).

Taylor Knapp was extremely efficient, throwing 27 strikes out of the 30 pitches it took to finish her three innings. Our defense wasn’t really tested but made the plays to score the three other outs besides strikeouts. Our batters adjusted to the slow tosses of the ‘Cats hurler and, well, the game was essentially over quickly. The girls showed a lot of class, played their game, but treated their opponents with respect. “Win with class, lose with class” is the WG mantra and our players do a great job with that.

We have the “late” game tomorrow against Cor Jesu at Affton, then finish the week at home against arch-rival Kirkwood.

Myah King gets the first out of the game with a strong throw to Lydia Beggs.

Taylor Knapp tied the school record for career JV pitching victories, notching her 20th in the circle.

Sophomore Caitlyn Boyle, in her first year of softball, is developing her bunting/slapping skills, and batting over .600. Today she had three hits and a walk.

Lydia Beggs plays a variety of roles, both corner IF spots, DP, and team leader.

Myah King and Taylor Smith go for a shot looper. Myah got the ball and a bit of Taylor's face.

Didn't See This Coming: Webster 14, FH Central 2

Coach Knapp had done some scouting waiting for our bus. “These girls are big and look good.” Coach Cerutti watched their pitcher warm up. “Pitcher looks good.” In our pre-game, waiting for the umpires to get to the field, we visualized and I told the girls, “If we can beat Timberland in the first game on Saturday, this will probably be our opponent. Let’s make them say, ‘We don’t want to play Webster.’” If I had to guess, they probably don’t.

But if they do, they won’t have stolen any of our signals, because I didn’t have time to give any! We led 4-0, with runners on second and third before the Spartans recorded their first out. Statesmen bats kept pounding and it was 12-0 before their first at bat. Taylor Knapp, winning her third game, did her part, setting down 12 batters in a row before a flare found the Bermuda Triangle in short right center and the score standing at 14-0. A couple errors made a dent but couldn’t really prolong the game and we climbed on the bus (Driver: “I love driving Webster girls!”) as 14-2 winners. Thanks to Shooter of the Day, Rebekah Riefle, for help with the pix.

While we expect FHC to come out firing on all cylinders if we can beat Timberland in the opener of the Fort Zumwalt West Tournament, we should be feeling pretty confident in our abilities. Except for a couple hiccups in the final frame, we threw strikes, played strong defense, and took excellent at bats. Five of the 15 outs they recorded came on hard hit balls.

Next up, Hazelwood West at home tomorrow. We will have a relatively short practice on Friday, giving our pitchers a chance to throw, working on individual areas where we can improve, and keeping our swings sharp. If you have not talked about transportation home from the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex Saturday, please do so; we want to avoid keeping the bus all day if possible.