James Kenan’s Brenda Serrano waits to receive ball as an opponent approaches second base. (Robert Taylor|mountolivetribune.com)
WARSAW — The James Kenan Tigers faced a tough challenge against the Pender Patriots in a high-energy softball showdown. Despite moments of promise, the Tigers struggled to contain Pender’s aggressive base running and precise hitting, ultimately falling 18-6 in a game that showcased offensive surges from both teams.
James Kenan opened the game with K. Giddens stepping into the batter’s box. She battled through the count but ultimately went down swinging. B. Sloan followed with a similar fate, unable to make contact as the Patriots’ pitcher established early dominance. The Tigers found a glimmer of hope when J. Joe took her turn at the plate. After seeing a mix of strikes and balls, she was awarded a walk on a wild pitch that nearly clipped her in the face. However, the momentum was short-lived as A. Jones launched a deep ball into the outfield, only for a Pender outfielder to track it down for the final out of the inning.
On the defensive side, the Tigers struggled early. Their pitcher opened by allowing a base hit, followed by a stolen base that quickly put a runner in scoring position. Pender capitalized on James Kenan’s defensive miscues, with a runner advancing to third before an errant throw at home allowed the Patriots to score the first run of the game.
James Kenan attempted to counter, but a fielder’s choice resulted in an out at second. As the Patriots’ runners continued to advance, they plated two more runs, extending their lead to 3-0. A miscommunication between the Tigers’ shortstop and second baseman led to another steal, putting runners on second and third. The Patriots’ aggressive approach paid off when a bunt attempt resulted in a rushed throw that missed the mark, allowing two more runs to score. By the end of the inning, Pender had built a commanding 6-0 lead.
Looking to regroup, James Kenan entered the second inning hoping to generate offense. R. Dixon was first to bat but struck out swinging. C. Mahoney gave the Tigers their first hit of the night, lining a pitch into the outfield for a single. However, after advancing to second on a passed ball, she was left stranded as E. DeLuca struck out, followed by another flyout to end the inning.
Pender kept the pressure on in the third, with a well-placed hit down the right-field line putting a runner on base. A sequence of stolen bases and another wild throw allowed the Patriots to extend their lead to 10-3.
James Kenan showed signs of life in the bottom of the third when Giddens delivered a strong hit to deep right field, reaching second base. Sloan followed with a sharp ground ball down the first base line but was thrown out, though her contact allowed Giddens to score. Joe and Jones, however, were unable to add to the rally, both striking out to retire the side.
The Patriots continued their offensive dominance in the fourth and fifth innings. With their leadoff batter drawing a walk and another stolen base putting runners in scoring position, a sharp hit to third base was fielded cleanly by Mahoney, who made the throw to first for the out. However, Pender remained aggressive, stealing bases at every opportunity and adding another run to make it 10-4.
James Kenan’s defense momentarily tightened when Mahoney executed a clean double play, catching a line drive at third and quickly throwing to first to catch the runner off the bag. But just when it seemed the Tigers were regaining their footing, back-to-back walks put the Patriots in another scoring position. A misplaced pitch that hit a batter loaded the bases, setting up another Pender run after a fielder’s choice. The Patriots tacked on another, stretching their lead to 11-6.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Tigers once again had difficulty generating offense. Mahoney managed to reach base after a well-placed infield hit, but subsequent batters failed to bring her home. A groundout to second base ended the inning, leaving James Kenan still trailing.
Pender broke the game wide open in the seventh inning. The Tigers’ pitching struggled with control, issuing multiple walks. A costly passed ball allowed two more runs to score, followed by a hard-hit ball into the gap that cleared the bases. By the time James Kenan recorded the final out, Pender had extended its lead to 18-6.
With one last chance to rally, James Kenan needed a spark, but Pender’s defense held firm. A hard-hit ball to third was snagged for the first out. A deep fly to left field followed but was tracked down by the Patriots’ outfielder. The game ended on a routine groundout, sealing Pender’s dominant victory.
The Patriots’ aggressive base running and timely hitting proved too much for James Kenan to handle. Despite flashes of promise at the plate, the Tigers struggled to generate consistent offense and were ultimately undone by defensive miscommunications and errors. Pender’s ability to capitalize on mistakes made the difference, securing them a commanding win on the road.
