Outlaw softballers open with 21-14 win

Sisters High School's varsity softball team rode the bats of Jourdan Andrews, Tatum Sitz, Isabelle Spitler and Anessa Stotts to explode for 18 hits and 21 runs in opening the season with a 21-14 win over Klamath Union of Klamath Falls.

The host Outlaws scored in every inning, including five times in the fourth when Andrews hit a two-run homer over the right-centerfield fence and Spitler had a run-scoring double.

Freshmen Sitz and Stotts drove in runs in the Outlaws' third and fifth innings.

The locals had a 14-3 lead going into the top of the fifth and were looking at a potential 10-run rule win when the Pelicans scored eight times to narrow it to 14-11. But SHS scored four in its half of the fifth and added a trio in the sixth.

Spitler went the distance, giving up 20 hits, walking five and striking-out four.

In addition to their 18 hits, the Outlaws worked 14 bases on balls.

The two teams were scheduled to play a double-header, but the second game was called after one inning with the Outlaws up 9-4.

Third-year Head Coach Dave Smith was pleased with the season-opening win and the progress of his squad.

"Each year I see us getting stronger," said Smith. "This year our infield is one of the best I have seen since I have been here. The energy level on this team is higher (than the last two years). The girls are helping each other on the field and in the dugout."

Smith also praised Sarah Hartford for her "quality" at-bats.

Smith noted that the Outlaws have three pitchers - Spitler, Sitz and Grace Maiden.

The Outlaws were scheduled to open the season on Thursday, March 15, but inclement weather postponed the opener against La Pine. The two teams were scheduled for a make-up contest on March 19.

The Outlaws travel to Madras on March 20 and host Crook County for a double-header on March 22. And will wrap up their preseason schedule on March 26 with a single-day tournament hosting Gladstone and Jefferson.