Softball: Pitching leads junior Chargers to sweep

The Midland Dow junior varsity softball team took advantage of excellent pitching performances to help Dow take the first game 14-4 and the second 8-4 to sweep the double header Thursday at Heritage against the Hawks.

“Our pitchers have been doing a great job,” said Dow coach Kim Dankert. “If they get themselves in a jam, they work their way out of it.”

Staci Thornton started for the Chargers in the opener and allowed only three hits in five innings while striking out 10 to pick up the win.

Offensively, Dow was led by Ashley McIntyre who finished 3-for-3 with four RBIs and three stolen bases. Stephanie Russell finished 2-for-4 for the Chargers.

“Not only did Stephanie Russell and Ashley McIntyre have great games at the plate,” Dankert said. “But they also made some nice plays on the field. Stephanie threw a runner out at first base from right field and Ashley had a nice catch in foul territory while playing second base.”

Sam Wood took the hill for the Chargers in the nightcap and went the distance allowing five hits while striking out 13 to record the win.

McIntyre kept it up offensively for Dow finishing 1-for-2 with two stolen bases, while Thornton added an inside the park home run.

“The girls played fairly consistent all night,” Dankert said of the Chargers’ dominating play. “They made the plays when on defense and were smart at the plate.”

Dow’s record improves to 13-2-1 overall and 7-1 in league play. They return to action Monday when they play host to Arthur Hill. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.