New London softball picks off Panthers

MT. PLEASANT — Eighth-grader Megan Lee pitched a complete game and the New London softball team mashed out nine hits in a 5-1 win over friendly rival Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday night.

“It's just nice to play a solid game,” said New London head coach Mark Chiri. “We've had so many injuries or people not available. It's one of the few games where we've had a solid lineup on the field.”

The Tiger offense was indeed solid in the first inning. The top of the order got it done with Elly Manning, Ashlyn McSorley and Sophie Malott all reaching base in back-to-back-to-back hits. Malott knocked in Manning to get the scoring started, and New London never trailed.

Mt. Pleasant’s Addison Clark knocked in Bethany Drury in the fourth to cut New London’s lead to 3-1, but that’s all the Panthers would get.

Mt. Pleasant was able to threaten in both the sixth and the seventh. In the sixth, the Panthers had runners on the corners with one out, but Manning made back-to-back plays at third base to end the threat, cutting a runner down at home for out number two and stretching out to make an inning-inning catch.

“I thought the turning point was when Elli making that catch in the sixth when they had the chance to tie it up, and then us scoring in the seventh,” Chiri said. “We've given up some big innings so that took a lot of pressure off of us.”

New London added two in the top of the seventh, one of which came off the bat of Malott, who finished 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

“I’ve been hitting the ball, but I haven't really been getting the runs in,” Malott said. “So that feel good.”

Lee had a fantastic day in the circle, giving up just one earned run over seven innings, striking out five batters along the way.

“I think it's cool to get out there and play against older people,” Lee said. “It helps me improve on my abilities.”

Mt. Pleasant did collect seven hits and five walks on the day, but the Panthers just couldn’t get runs across the plate.

Bethany Drury went 2-for-2 in the loss to lead Mt. Pleasant. Emma Starr went 1-for-2. Savana Walls went 1-for-3 with a double, and Clark finished 1-for-3.

Myah Starr threw all seven innings for the Panthers, giving up five runs (four earned), while striking out one.

“We did hit a lot of balls right at them, but we have to string together better at-bats,” said Mt. Pleasant head coach Mike Beason. “I’m proud of Myah Starr for fighting and staying in it, but we’ve got to give her more support.”

New London is now 3-17. The Tigers have won of their last four games after starting 0-16. Mt. Pleasant fell to 2-19.