DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
MONROE – Oni Krueckeberg banged out three triples in the first three innings, knocking in six runs and scoring four runs herself to lead the Braves in a big, 23-6 win over rival Adams Central Monday night in Monroe.
In a half-inning that lasted nearly 30 minutes, the Braves pushed across eleven runs before the home Jets ever came to the plate against Bellmont starter Bella Ashley, who had the biggest hit of the rally – a two-run home run to center to make the score 11-0.
The Braves started that big rally with mostly singles, putting the ball in play over the head of the AC infield and in front of the Jets’ outfielders, who had to contend with a wind that was blowing straight out of the diamond.
Taylor Bauer had two hits in that first inning, part of a 3-for-4 night for the center fielder.
Ashley set down the Jets 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first and the hit parade continued for the Braves. Sophia Cole started the inning off with a single and the Braves went up 13-0 on one of Krueckeberg’s triples.
Finnley Godsey doubled in a run to make it 15-0, then left base early to end the inning in a self-imposed moment of mercy.
The Jets did strike back, however, when coach Mindy Buuck decided to take the 15-run lead as an opportunity to give the Braves’ backup pitcher some work. With Bella Ashley throwing the bulk of the innings, Buuck has been using her new assistant coach – Bellmont legend Macy Montgomery – to develop a Plan B and C for the Braves this season.
Izzy Isch singled and the Braves issued two walks to load the bases for the Jets, who attempted to bunt in a run, but pitcher Taylor Bauer fielded the ball cleanly and came home to catcher Emily Bleke for the out.
Adaline Isch then drew a two-out walk to put the Jets on the board, setting up Baylee Smith for the home team’s biggest moment of the game. Smith smashed a home run to dead center for a grand slam to cut the score to 15-5, prompting Buuck to re-insert Ashley for the final out of the second.
Ashley finished with 4.1 innings pitched and two hits allowed. She struck out two and was charged with one earned run.
Izzy Isch had two hits on the night for the Jets. Melina Peralez also picked up a base knock.
Emily Bleke was on the base paths nearly the entire game with three hits. She reached on an error and a fielder’s choice and scored four times from the leadoff position.
The Braves will play at Mississinewa on Good Friday, while the Jets will look to get their season set right against Shenandoah Wednesday.
