Portageville runs away from Cooter

PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — In a thrilling display of the team’s potential, the Portageville softball cruised to a 23-8 win over Cooter in four innings on Monday, April 3.

It was clear from the opening pitch that the Lady Bulldogs (4-5) meant business.

“We had a good day yesterday,” said Portageville coach Kelsey Snider. “We were finally able to connect the bats and get the runners around. The entire lineup hit yesterday and I was extremely proud of how we played.”

Portageville’s top players at the plate were Jayla Coger (3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs), Reece Rone (2-for-2 with four RBIs and a run) and Jayla Weddington (2-for-4 with three RBIs and three runs). Jessica Priggel and Brianna Harless each added one hit and three RBIs.

Taryn Partin started the game and earned the win after three innings of work. She allowed one earned run on three hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Karlie Johnson pitched the final inning and allowed one earned run on four hits with three strikeouts and two walks.

“Our pitching was also working for us yesterday finally,” Snider said. “We didn’t have as many walks as we’ve been having in a game, and even after Cooter scored seven runs in one inning, we didn’t get down which is something we have been doing. The girls recomposed themselves after the errors in the fourth inning and went and scored eight runs giving us the 15-run lead to end the game in the fourth.”

Jenna Bullington took the loss after pitching 3.2 innings and allowing five earned runs on 12 hits with two strikeouts and 10 walks.

“Cooter had some great plays in the field and some really good hits,” Snider said. “I was pretty impressed with how well they did.”

Portageville travels to East Prairie (1-3) on Tuesday, April 4, and Naylor (2-4) on Thursday, April 6.

Cooter will be on the road at Risco (6-3) on Tuesday, April 4, and host Senath-Hornersville with Southland (3-0) on Thursday, April 6.

__PORTAGEVILLE 23, COOTER 8, F/4__

Cooter 100 7xx x — 8 7 7

P’Ville 474 8xx x — 23 12 5

W—Taryn Partin. L—Bullington. 2B— Cooter: Chidester, Jackson; Portageville: Reece Rone (2) Bryleigh Adams, Jayla Coger. 3B—Portageville: Libbie Priggel, Jessica Priggel.