Softball: Junior Chemics explode for 34 runs in doubleheader wins

by Jason Wolverton

Just like their varsity counterparts, the Midland High junior varsity blue team beat up on Flint Southwestern Academy Thursday, winning both games of a doubleheader 17-1 and 17-0.

Justine Doyle pitched well for the Chemics in game one, giving up just one run on one hit and striking out five in the 17-1 mercy-shortened victory.

The offense gave Doyle plenty to work with, too, exploding for 14 runs in the first inning. The team would add three more in the second inning and wouldn’t even need the bottom half of the third to enforce the mercy rule. Brianne Beaulieu hit a home run for the Chemics, and Stephanie Novak had a double and triple to pace the offense. Doyle helped her cause at the plate, adding two hits including a double. Katie Johnstone and Randi Cain both had a pair of hits, as well.

Game two was much the same for the Chemics, but the story this time was pitcher Alyssa Stanford. Stanford was only a walk and error from a perfect game as she finished with no runs or hits given up and struck out nine in three innings.

The offense was equally as potent in game two, with Janae Forbes’ 3-for-3 effort leading the way. Ashley Redfern added a double in the cause, and Johnstone chipped in with two hits.

The team returns to action this Saturday at the Oiler Invitational hosted by Mount Pleasant High School. The tournament starts at 9 a.m.