Four runs in first propel Lady Trojans to win over Grafton

Despite being pelted with the ball, New Kent's Taylor Yates (left) is able to get back to second base safely.

Robb Johnson photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans matched up with a Grafton Lady Clippers team who looked to even the score after falling 3-0 in the first meeting. However, errors by the visiting Lady Clippers resulted in New Kent creating a lead that Grafton couldn’t catch.

The Lady Trojans capitalized off errors en route to a 6-2 victory in Friday Bay Rivers contest, upping its season record to 13-2.

Grafton’s mistakes plagued the visitors in the bottom of the first inning. An error, hit-by-pitch, and a bunt loaded the bases for the hosts. New Kent’s Haley Cleaver driving home a run to give the hosts a lead that they would never relinquish. The Lady Trojans added three more runs in the bottom of the frame to take the lead 4-0.

Grafton couldn’t orchestrate anything on offense, suffering from a lack of hits and a stifling defense. Meanwhile, New Kent head coach Maria Bates credited her team for holding the lead for the remainder of the game to earn the win.

“The four runs we produced in the first inning were huge for us,” she said. “We had a great inning running and hitting.

“Grafton is a great team and one of the best in our district,” Bates continued. “It’s great for the girls to keep coming out and proving that they are just as good as any other team in this very tough district.”