Baker’s blast provides insurance run in New Kent’s 2-1 softball triumph

New Kent’s Haley Baker stretches out to make an acrobatic catch in the top of the fifth inning to thwart a Smithfield Lady Packer run.

Robb Johnson photo

While New Kent’s Lady Trojans’ pitching and defense continues to look as it did last year, their offense has been hitting a wall lately. But the hosts had enough offense in an Apr. 11 affair against the visiting Smithfield Lady Packers thanks to a solo homerun in the fifth.

New Kent’s Haley Baker’s blast provided enough of a cushion as the hosts held on to a 2-1 win in a tightly contested Bay Rivers’ clash.

The hosts got on the board in the third inning after Amya Evans dove in head first into home plate after a Smithfield error to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The Lady Trojan defense held steadfast, as they were able to escape many close calls.

In the top of the fifth, Baker make an acrobatic catch to prevent a rally by the Lady Packers. In the bottom of the fifth, Baker stepped to the plate for New Kent. Her hit over the wall doubled the hosts lead. Despite Smithfield adding a late run, the hosts held on tight to finish off the contest with the win.

New Kent Lady Trojan head coach Maria Bate spoke about her team’s effort, stating that her team now has a target on their back for the remainder of the season.

“Today was a good wake up call for the girls,” she said. “We slept through most of the game, letting them stay in it.

“We made a lot of mental miscues, but I feel like this outcome will wake them up,” Bates continued. “You are going to have those games and you have to push through and we have to play more mentally sound ball to have a better energy by ourselves.”

New Kent’s Lady Trojans up their record to 6-1.