Strong pitching lifts FSHS softball in doubleheader sweep

Free State shortstop Grace Patchen throws out a runner during the second inning against Shawnee Mission West, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Free State High School.

After three straight losses, Free State High softball players were happy to get back on track in a split doubleheader Thursday at FSHS.

The Firebirds cruised to a 10-0 victory against Shawnee Mission West, shortened to five innings because of the mercy rule, and a 5-2 win over Shawnee Mission East in the nightcap.

In both games, the Firebirds received strong pitching performances — from senior Mayah Daniels and sophomore Morgan Leslie — and received a lift from the bottom of the batting order.

During the 5-2 win against SM East, the last four hitters in the lineup, Grace Patchen, Haley Hippe, Emma Pravecek and Jasper Hawkins combined for seven hits, four RBI and all five runs.

“Today I just focused on being confident at the plate and timing the pitchers because they were a little slow today,” said Patchen, who hit 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two walks.

Free State's Haley Lockwood-Peterson tries to run out a throw during the first inning against Shawnee Mission West, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Free State High School.

After trailing 2-1 against the Lancers (3-15), Free State responded with four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The first four batters reached base, including a two-run triple from Pravecek that was lined over the shortstop’s head that rolled to the fence. Hawkins followed with a RBI single to drive in Pravecek.

Hawkins added a RBI single in the second inning, scoring Pravecek.

“I think it was pretty uplifting for the team because it all made us feel more confident in ourselves,” Pravecek said of the doubleheader sweep.

In the pitching circle, Leslie only allowed two hits and struck out two. The Firebirds (9-9) had three errors in the field — “We’re still making too many physical mistakes,” coach Lee Ice said — but Leslie helped limit the damage by forcing several ground balls.

“That’s the best Morgan has thrown,” Ice said, noting Leslie was more confident and stayed ahead in counts. “Being a sophomore, that’s what we’ve been hoping from her.”

Free State pitcher Mayah Daniels delivers to the plate during the first inning against Shawnee Mission West, Thursday, May 4, 2017 at Free State High School.

During the first game against SM West, Daniels threw a one-hitter, allowing only a bloop infield single in the top of the fifth inning as the only base runner. Daniels struck out seven.

The Firebirds scored four runs off of three hits in the third inning, which included a RBI single from Emma Stanwix, scoring Daniels after a leadoff double. Annie Roszak, batting out of the nine-hole, added a two-run single to center field.

In the fourth inning, Free State’s offense kept rolling with six more runs. Five straight hitters reached base, including RBI hits from Jenalee Dickson, Lauryn Jones and Roszak, setting themselves in position for the 10-run mercy rule.

Free State was aided by nine walks and one hit batsman, which kept pressure on the Vikings (2-14) with runners on base.

“It’s really good to get momentum going into our two games against (Lawrence High) next week,” Patchen said. “We really needed that.”

The Firebirds will play host to Lawrence at 5:30 p.m. Monday.

SM West 000 00 — 0 1 1

Free State 004 6x — 10 8 0

W — Mayah Daniels. L — Delaney Furminger.

2B — Daniels, FS.

FSHS highlights — Daniels, 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K, 1-for-3, 2 runs; Annie Roszak, 2-for-3, 3 RBI; Grace Patchen, 1-for-1, 2 walks, 2 runs; Lauryn Jones, 1-for-2, walk, 2 RBI, 2 runs.

SM East 000 200 0 — 2 2 0

Free State 010 400 — 5 11 3

W — Morgan Leslie. L — Jenna Thieman.

2B — Grace Patchen, FS. 3B — Emma Pravecek, FS.

FSHS highlights — Leslie, 7 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K; Jasper Hawkins, 2-for-3, run, 2 RBI; Emma Pravecek, 2-for-2, walk, 2 runs, 2 RBI; Grace Patchen, 2-for-3, run; Haley Lockwood-Peterson, 2-for-3, stolen base; Dacia Starr, 2-for-4.