THROWING HARD — Indian Creek pitcher Carley Jo Penner delivers to an Edison batter during Wednesday’s game at the Edison Sports Complex. – Andrew Grimm
RICHMOND — For the second consecutive day Wednesday, the Indian Creek softball ball battled a local opponent and the elements on the road, and were again successful in doing so.
Playing in an at times moderate rain for the duration of the game, the Redskins were able to stay unbeaten with a 4-1 victory over rival Edison on the new turf at the Edison Sports Complex.
The win makes Creek 6-0 on the season.
“I’m proud of the team, it’s humbling for us to be 6-0,” Indian Creek coach Angie Penner said. “There are a lot of games left, we just have to take it one game at a time and keep competing. (Edison) Coach (Spencer) Bendle does an awesome job with his girls and it was a battle.
“I never dreamed we would get to play (Wednesday). The facility is beautiful.”
Carley Jo Penner, the senior standout headed to Kent State after this season, was again strong in the circle for the Red and Gold, firing a complete game with seven strikeouts, just one walk and an unearned run against while scattering three hits.
“We weren’t very good at the plate today and Carley pitched a real good ballgame,” Bendle said. “She was ahead in the count a lot early and she moved the ball around real good. We just didn’t put the ball on the bat very well against her and credit her for that, she’s a good pitcher.
“She kept us at bay today. We just couldn’t get anything started. They played good defense behind her and they did a nice job, they deserved to win.”
McKenna Scott led the way at the plate for Creek, driving in two runs while going 3 for 3 on the day with a double, while Abby Starkey and Alexis Dawson each had two hits and a double, Dawson providing the Redskins’ other RBI.
“It is always a battle when we play Edison, it could have gone either way,” coach Penner said. “Sometimes the excitement of a rivalry can take you out of you game, so I’m proud of the girls because they stayed calm and finished.
“You never know what part of the lineup is going to come through, and the middle of the order shined (Wednesday). We got timely hits when we needed them and executed the little things to win the game.”
Creek took an early lead with a run in the top of the first and added another in the third, before Edison (4-4) made it a 2-1 game in the bottom half with a Mychi Stewart RBI, before Creek added runs in the top of the fifth and seventh for some added cushion.
Penner ended the game with a strikeout with two Cats on the bases.
Katie Fluharty had a double for Edison, while Alayna Meadows struck out six in the loss.
UP NEXT
The teams are set for a rematch in Mingo Junction on Friday.
Indian Creek 4, Edison 1
Indian Creek 1-0-1 0-1-0 1 – 4 10 1
Edison 0-0-0 1-0-0 0 – 1 3 1
INDIAN CREEK (6-0): Penner (WP, CG, 1R, 0ER, 3H, 7K, 1BB) and Starkey. Scott D, 2S, 2RBI; Starkey D, S; Dawson D, S, RBI; Grant S; Boley S.
EDISON (4-4): A. Meadows (LP, CG, 4R, 3ER, 10H, 6K, 2BB) and Evans. Fluharty D; Scott S; P. Meadows S.