LocalSportsJournal.com
NORTH MUSKEGON – Hart and North Muskegon played to a softball split on Tuesday.
Hart won the first game 10-8. North Muskegon won the nightcap, 14-7.
The Pirates had three pitchers injured or unable to pitch and relied on a combination of Reese Smith and Nora Chickering.
“Credit goes to both of them as they battled all night,” said Hart coach Dean DeVries.
In the opener, Smith and Chickering gave up four hits, one run, five walks and struck out three batters combined.
Abby Hicks had a three-run homer. Makenna Carrier had three hits, including a double, while Caydence Bateson collected a pair of hits. Maryn Klotz, Smith and Julia Bishop each had a hit.
Smith and Chickering combined to allow one run, seven walks and struck out three in the nightcap.
Bateson, Hicks and Leah Walker had two hits apiece. Gabby Schmieding, Smith, Bishop, Carrier and Klotz each had a hit.
“We battled through a lot of emotions yesterday playing short-handed and dealing with the loss of their beloved principal (Troy Moran),” said DeVries. “I am very proud of their grit and resilience.”
Hart (14-6, 3-3) will compete in the Ace Hardware Tournament at Scottville on Saturday.
North Muskegon will be at Fremont on Thursday.
