Phares hurls three-hit shutout; Mayhew allows two hits
By Randy Arrington
SHENANDOAH, April 7 — With one swing of the bat, Danica Turner changed — and ultimately decided — Page County High School’s district opener in softball on a chilly Tuesday afternoon. An impressive pitcher’s duel that allowed only five hits combined, ended with Turner’s solo shot being the only run the Panthers would need to hand the districting-leading Rams of Strasburg their first loss in the Bull Run.
Following Turner’s home run in the fourth, during the next at-bat, senior first baseman Kahlei Shifflett hit another long ball over the fence…barely foul. Turner would turn in the only RBI of the day, and Strasburg senior Ava Mayhew would only allow one more hit.
PCHS junior Lilly Mullins hit a single to left field in the third, but got stranded at second base.
Mayhew threw five complete innings, striking out 10 with no walks, and allowing only one run off two hits.
PCHS senior Madison Phares kept the Rams’ bats in check as well after going the distance in a seven-inning shutout. The right-hander struck out nine, walked two (both in the sixth), and allowed three hits.
Lead-off hitter for Strasburg, freshman Payton Grant, and clean-up batter, senior Hannah Merriner, both went 1-for-2 at the plate. Grant collected a double in the first at-bat of the game, and Merriner recorded a single in the second. Junior Madison Wilkins went 1-for-3 with a double to left field in the fourth.
The Rams would strand five runners on base in a tightly contested pitcher’s duel, reaching second base twice. The Panthers committed one error in the fifth.
Winning their Bull Run District opener on Tuesday, the Panthers (1-0, 1-3) end a three-game losing streak that opened the season against larger, non-district competition — two losses to Broadway and one to East Rock. Next up, Page County will travel to East Rock to face the Eagles on Thursday, April 9 and host the Panthers of Rappahannock on Friday, April 10.
Strasburg (2-1, 6-2) picks up its first district loss after defeating Rapp and Stonewall and going 4-1 in non-district action to start the season. Next up, the Rams will host Madison on Friday, April 10.
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
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