Fairfield softball crunches Keokuk

FAIRFIELD — There were 20 runs scored on the No. 13 (4A) Fairfield softball field Monday night, and all 20 went to the same team. The Trojans dominated Keokuk, 10-0 and 10-0 to scoop up a pair of Southeast Conference victories.

“It’s definitely easier to win when you don’t give up any runs,” said head coach Bob Bradfield. “The pitchers threw well, and we scored what was necessary.”

The Trojans had a couple of dominant outings in the pitcher’s circle from Coty Engle in Game 1 and Bailey Hird in Game 2. Both members of the Trojan pitching duo had complete game wins.

“I felt pretty good,” said Hird. “You can’t take any team lightly, but I’m confident in my defense behind me.”

Hird’s cause was helped out by a crushing two-run home run by first baseman Hannah Simpson in the fourth inning.

Fairfield finished the regular season 14-4 overall and 22-12 in SEC play. The Trojans have now won nine of their last 10 games heading in to the postseason. Hird says the team chemistry has helped the squad get on a hot streak

“I think the thing that has helped us the most is that we all kind of hang out outside of games,” said Hird. “We get super close, and that allows us to trust each other even more when we’re on the field.”

Fairfield won’t play again until Saturday when they host the winner of Thursday’s Keokuk-Mt. Pleasant game in the Class 4A Regional semifinals at 7 p.m.