The Perry softball team used a fast start and timely pitching to hold off the Jefferson softball team for a 5-3 win on Tuesday.
Perry scored all five of its runs in the first three innings before surviving a late Jefferson push to improve to 15-1 on the season.
The Pirates struck first in the opening inning after Sophie Sivon drew a leadoff walk and Morgan Winters delivered a two-out double. Ella Bayless-Fahey followed with a walk to load the bases before Mercedes Snell lined home a run. Another run crossed on an error as Perry grabbed a 2-0 lead.
Perry added another run in the second when Sivon singled, Emma Brainard ripped a double, and Arianna Rogers lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Sivon.
The Pirates extended the lead to 5-0 in the third. Bayless-Fahey opened the inning after being hit by a pitch, while Snell and Claire Loveland each worked walks to load the bases. Aubrey Santore then punched a two-run single into left field.
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Jefferson finally broke through in the fourth when Kennidie Rogers launched a solo home run to right field, trimming the deficit to 5-1.
The Falcons threatened again late in the seventh inning. Eleigh Donathan and Sienna Paxson opened the frame with singles before a walk to Alyvia Graham loaded the bases. Olivia Lewis drove in a run on a fielder’s choice, and another run scored on a wild pitch after Rogers worked a four-pitch walk.
With the tying run aboard, Perry pitcher Morgan Winters recorded a game-ending strikeout to secure the win.
Jefferson received a strong relief effort from Ada Sirrine, who tossed five scoreless innings while striking out five and allowing just two hits.
Winters earned the complete-game victory for Perry, allowing three runs on eight hits while striking out five.
With the win, Perry improved to 15-1 overall and 7-0 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division. Jefferson dropped to 8-7, 6-2.
Top Players
- Kennidie Rogers (Jefferson): 3-for-3, RBI, run scored, walk, home run
- Ada Sirrine (Jefferson): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 K
- Morgan Winters (Perry): 1-for-4, double, run scored; 7 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 5 K
- Aubrey Santore (Perry): 2 RBI, walk
- Emma Brainard (Perry): 2-for-4, double
- Mercedes Snell (Perry): RBI, run scored, walk
