SEAN BOSTON
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson High School softball team picked up a pair of wins over the Wichita Heights Falcons on Thursday afternoon at Fun Valley.
Hutchinson is now 3-11 on the season, while Heights drops to 2-8.
Game 1 — Hutchinson 16, Wichita Heights 0
Kohlbie Craft drove in seven runs on three hits to lead the Hutchinson High softball team to a dominant 16-0 win over Wichita Heights on Thursday at Fun Valley.
Craft delivered run-scoring singles in the second and third innings before crushing a three-run home run to center in the fourth to cap her standout performance at the plate. She also pitched three shutout innings in the circle, allowing just one hit while striking out six and walking none.
The Salthawks took control early, scoring one run in the first and erupting for six runs in the second inning. Craft’s two-run single and Brooke Hogan’s three-run homer to left highlighted the frame. Hutchinson added two more in the third on another Craft single and a Hogan double, then put the game away with a six-run fourth inning, which included a two-run single from Jaden Durant and Craft’s three-run blast.
Hutchinson racked up 10 hits in the win. Alaina Borders and Hogan each had two hits, while Yazmin Pena drew four walks to lead the team’s eight free passes overall. Borders and Pena also recorded multiple stolen bases, as the Salthawks swiped eight bags as a team.
Jayanna Cornejo tossed a scoreless inning of relief, striking out one and walking three to finish the shutout.
Heights was held to just one hit, a single from Hannah Keane, who also started in the circle and allowed 16 runs on 10 hits and eight walks over three innings.
Game 2 — Hutchinson 13, Wichita Heights 1
A fast start and strong offensive showing helped the Hutchinson High softball team complete a sweep of Wichita Heights with a 13-1 win Thursday at Fun Valley.
The Lady Salthawks plated eight runs in the bottom of the first inning. The rally was sparked by a two-run error, a run-scoring double from Jayanna Cornejo, an RBI hit-by-pitch to Mauree Garland, a three-run triple by Annalee Eckhoff, and a single from Yazmin Pena that drove in another.
Hutchinson added five more runs in the fourth on six hits. Cornejo tripled in a run, Sadie Marciano and Alaina Borders added RBI singles, and Baylee Pickering capped the inning with a two-run inside-the-park home run.
Addison Coupe earned the win in the circle, tossing three shutout innings. She allowed two hits, struck out one, and walked none. Kierah Sterling pitched the final inning in relief. Heights starter Hannah Keane allowed 13 runs (12 earned) on 13 hits over four innings, striking out seven and walking two.
The Salthawks totaled 13 hits in the game, led by Pena’s 3-for-4 day from the leadoff spot. Cornejo and Pickering also had multiple hits, while Eckhoff drove in three runs with her lone hit. Hutchinson was aggressive on the bases, stealing five bags, including two by Pena.
Keane and Westein each recorded one hit for the Falcons.
Hutchinson returns to action Tuesday when it hosts Campus at Fun Valley.