North pounded out 16 hits and Amanda Dobida threw a five-inning no-hitter as the Rangers cruised past host Kenston on Wednesday, 12-0.
With the win, the Rangers snapped a three-game skid and improved to 12-5 overall and 4-3 in the Western Reserve Conference.
“It was a great team win,” said Breonna Preston, who went 3-for-5 and scored four runs. “We had a lot of fun. We jelled very well, which kept the communication and motivation up.”
The Rangers scored early and often in pulling away from the Bombers.
North scored two runs in the top of the first and added six more in the second. The Rangers closed out the win with a run in the third, two in the fourth, and another in the fifth.
Preston led the charge at the plate with her three hits and she also stole three bases.
“It is very important to maximize my speed on the bases to get into scoring position,” said Preston, who serves as North’s leadoff hitter. “It is easy to recognize the slower pitches to get an extra lead on the catchers.”
Brynne Smith also recorded three hits in the game and Katie Bucy and Dobida each finished with two. Molly Delaney, Emerson Wren, Maddie Russo, Lizzy Gardner, Ashley Sykes, and Addison Campbell each added one of North’s 16 hits.
Passing the bat from one to nine has helped the Rangers score runs in bunches.
“It gives me more motivation to hit the ball knowing that my teammates are going to hit me in or put me in scoring position,” Preston said.
The early run support helped Dobida to settle into her rhythm in the circle.
Last week, she pitched a perfect game in leading North to a 1-0 win at Lakewood. Against Kenston, she struck out 13 with three walks.
“Scoring runs early on in games is a key component to our success this season,” Dobida said. “To know my offense will always have my back allows me to settle in in the circle and pitch my game. If a run scores, I always know that my offense will get it back and then some.”
Dobida is confident the Rangers are trending up as the postseason nears.
“It is very important that my teammates and I continue to trust each other and play our game,” she said. “My success in the circle has been very exciting and rewarding. I plan to bring this excitement and intensity into the rest of the season.”
