MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.
LUDINGTON — The Ludington junior varsity softball team dropped a doubleheader to Whitehall on Tuesday at Oriole Field, falling 18-2 and 22-4.
In the opener, Rayne Holtrust took the loss in the circle, striking out five, walking five and allowing 10 hits. At the plate, Holtrust went 1-for-2 with two RBIs, while Kenzie Riley finished 1-for-2. Chloe Jenner and Rylie Areklet each drew two walks.
In Game 2, Mayra Martinez started and pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing three hits while walking eight and striking out one. Holtrust relieved, tossing 1 2/3 innings with two strikeouts, four walks and six hits allowed. Offensively, Chloe Jenner led Ludington by going 2-for-3, while Leesa Shereda added a hit and a walk.
Ludington coach Maggie Bates said the Orioles continue to battle through a short-handed lineup.
“We have a couple girls out sick or injured right now and that’s playing a factor in our lineups,” Bates said. “However, the girls are really stepping up and they are making gains and growing every time we play.”
Bates said the team emphasized specific areas of improvement Tuesday.
“Each game we pick a couple things to focus on to make sure we’re getting better at them, and after the game we talk about it,” she said. “Tuesday we wanted to focus on communication and being aggressive in the batter’s box. The score may not reflect it, but the girls did well on both their tasks.”
Despite the lopsided scores, Bates said progress remains evident.
“They were hitting the ball, they just couldn’t get on base, and that’s what we’ll work on Thursday,” she said. “They continue to grow and they continue to get better, and that’s all I can ask.”
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Baker Ford Ludington, 3045 W. US 10-31, Ludington, 888-856-9116, bakerfordludington.com
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Mission Graphics, 113 S. Blaine St., Scottville, 231-845-7030, mymission.graphics
Quick-Way, Inc., 1004 Conrad Industrial Dr., Ludington, 231-845-6520, qkwa.net
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Michelle and Andrew Thomas
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