Fairfield softball wins 4th-straight

FAIRFIELD — The 13th-ranked Fairfield softball team is getting hot at the right time.

With just over one week before the Class 4A softball tournament, the Trojans are on a winning streak. Fairfield beat Mt. Pleasant 12-0 in three innings on Wednesday, completing the regular season sweep over the Panthers in the process.

“It feels good any time you win,” Fairfield head coach Bob Bradfield said. “Mt. Pleasant is young, and they are coming along, but we just came out and hit the ball well.”

And hit the ball well they did. The Trojans scored in all three of their at-bats, knocking in four runs in the first inning, one in the second and seven in the third.

The scoring started when junior first baseman Hannah Simpson launched a two-run home run over the left field fence. It ended when Simpson drove in the final run of the third inning, giving the Trojans a 12-run advantage and stopping the game via the mercy rule.

Simpson went 2-for-3 with a homer and three RBIs to lead the Trojans. Delaney Breen went 1-for-2 with two RBIs. Emersyn Manley and Savannah Hollander each knocked in one.

Coty Engle was 2-for-2 with a double, and also did work on the mound for the Trojans. Fairfield’s sophomore ace gave up just one hit over three innings of work. After the game, she gave credit to the Trojan offense for giving her an easy night.

“I feel like we’re getting better as a team,” Engle said. “We’re hitting the ball harder, and all together, instead of leaving more people on base.”

Mt. Pleasant’s lone hit came from Eva Rounceville, who went 1-for-2 with a bunt single. Grace Kelley drew a walk.

Mt. Pleasant head coach Mike Beason acknowledged the Trojans’ defensive effort, saying Engle threw well.

Madison Helling started the game for Mt. Pleasant and gave up eight runs (seven earned) over two innings. Ella McNamee threw one inning and gave up two runs.