Lexington softball on fire

Lexington’s fast-pitch softball team earned a trip to regionals on Monday afternoon by pounding the Marietta Indians, 12-0 and 17-0, at home in very impressive fashion during bi-districts.

The ‘Dawgs scored three runs in the first inning, three in the second, and six more runs in the third to provide starting pitcher Abby Turnpaugh the 12-0 opening round victory. Turnpaugh allowed just one hit and walked one while striking out three Marietta hitters.

She was backed with a 12-hit attack from the Lexington batting order. Turnpaugh had two hits and three runs batted in. Maddy Pack had two hits (including a double) and two ribbies while her younger sister Izzy Pack also had two hits and scored twice.

In the second game, the ‘Dawgs piled on more runs in a 17-0 clubbing. Chloe Burk started that game inside the circle and surprised everybody as she hurled a no-hitter, striking out five in the process. 

Turnpaugh had three hits and two RBIs. Maddy Pack had two hits with an RBI double. Burk helped her on cause with a couple of hits. Jaci Idlett smacked a two-run double for the ‘Dawgs and Cora Vazquez knocked in two runs with a triple.

Last Thursday, Lexington played a triple-header at home. First, the ‘Dawgs beat the Crooked Oak Ruf-Nex, 10-0 and 14-0. In the first game, Turnpaugh tossed a three-inning no-hitter and struck out six batters. Lex scored all 10 of its runs in the bottom of the first inning and was able to cruise from there.

Nine different hitters each had a hit for the ‘Dawgs, with Leslie Barber, Promise Houck, Ryli Harmon, and Burk slapping doubles. Izzy Pack slammed a three-run home run for Lexington.

In the second game, it was Vazquez who threw another no-hitter at the Ruf-Nex, piling up seven strikeouts in three innings. Again, the ‘Dawgs scored all 14 of their runs in the bottom of the first frame.

Houck led the charge with two hits (including a double) and three runs batted in. Lexington was spotless in the field against Crooked Oak as the home team made no errors in the two games.

Lexington’s only loss last week was to the Class 6A Norman North Timberwolves, 5-1, in the third game of the day. Norman North’s pitching allowed just three hits including singles by Turnpaugh, Vazquez, and Maddy Pack. The ‘Dawgs made just one error in the game behind Burk, who pitched seven innings and gave up 12 hits, four earned runs, eight walks and struck out two.

During the last week, the ‘Dawgs won four of five games, tossed three no-hitters, scored 54 runs, and played nearly flawless defense. Lexington head coach Kayla Stewart was very pleased with her squad, which now stands at 11-14 after winning six of the last seven ball games.

Regional play for Lexington begins next week and Stewart said, “We are playing better than we have been all year. We’re excited and ready for the playoffs.”