Tigers clobber Kansas City O'Hara, 17-2

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail/ Nevada Lady Tigers pitcher, Maddie Hedges, throws in the second inning of Thursday's game against the O'Hara Celtics.

Nevada Daily Mail

The Nevada Tigers softball team won their fourth game of the season in a 17-2 drubbing of the Kansas City O'Hara Celtics Thursday afternoon at Bushwhacker Field.

The Tigers led 3-0 after the first, and took control of the game in the bottom of the second inning, plating 13 runs.

Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail/ Nevada's Anna Fulton is safe at home in the second inning of Thursday's game with the 'Ohara Celtics.

"We've talked a lot about making adjustments the last few weeks," NHS head coach Tammy Holcomb said after the game. "Not only making an adjustment from game-to-game, but from at-bat to at-bat.

"And sometimes even making those adjustments during an at-bat. I felt like we ultimately did a good job of that today."

During the bottom of the second inning, Nevada shortstop Carsten Warner came through at the plate with a triple, scoring teammates Madi Culberston and Reagan Bradley, putting the Tigers up 7-0.

"Not only is Carsten swinging the bat well, but several others are putting it in play," Holcomb said. "At this point (we're not getting) a hit from every (player). But at least putting it in play gives a chance to move some baserunners."

After batting around in the second inning, Bradley again came to the plate, this time lacing an RBI-double into the left-center field gap, scoring courtesy runner Sammy Gundy to give the Tigers a 12-0 lead.

Culbertson followed in the order with a line-drive up the middle. Bradley and Tigers starting pitcher Maddie Hedges both crossed home plate on the hit, putting the Tigers on top 14-0.

"We're just looking to make sure we can do everything we can do to control the game," Holcomb said. "Trying to keep the hitters to a minimum (on defense), and putting the ball in play gives us a chance. And not leaving baserunners on."

Tigers catcher Kayler Ast, and right fielder Lauren Prewitt, also had base hits in the second inning.

The Celtics finally got on the board in the top of the third when sophomore Abby Hyde doubled to deep left field, scoring Bridget Allan and Emmy Araujo.

The game ended in the bottom of the third when Prewitt scored from third base on a fielder's choice, as the three-inning, 15-run mercy rule went into effect.

Following the game, the junior varsity team defeated O'Hara, 8-5.

The Tigers next contest is a home game against Aurora High School at noon, Saturday.

"I think it will be a tough game," she said. "From what I understand they are playing well, and so we'll be ready to go."