It was not a barometer week for South Kitsap.
Coach Kathy Ballew said she won’t know just where her team stands in the Narrows League until at least Monday when they host Wilson.
But the Wolves at least will enter that game with first place in the Bridge Division at stake as they won 15-0 on Wednesday at Foss to improve to 2-0.
“It’s momentum,” Ballew said. “I’m very pleased.”
South produced just four hits, but did not need many as drew 14 walks against Falcons starter Jorden Miles. It all began in the first inning when the Wolves’ first three hitters walked to load the bases. But they only produced one run on a two-out walk by right fielder Erika Henderson.
Producing hits was not a problem in the next inning, though. South again loaded the bases on a hit batter and a pair of walks before shortstop Holly Lider hit a three-RBI triple to left-center field. Emily Bricks, who also was the winning pitcher, followed with a triple to the same location that scored another run.
“I was joking around, saying I should’ve said ‘Fore!’ like I was golfing it,” Lider said. “I hit it pretty low.”
The rest of the Wolves’ 11 runs during the inning came through more walks and hit batters in addition to a couple of errors.
That was more than enough support for Bricks, who allowed three hits and struck out five batters through five innings. The game was called at that point because of the mercy rule.
“She’s throwing well,” Ballew said. “I’m really pleased with her improvement.”
South’s only other run-producing hit came with two outs in the fourth. With the bases loaded, first baseman Alexis O’Dell hit a two-RBI single to shallow right field.
Lider said hitting off a finesse pitcher is good preparation for her teammates.
“Hitting off a slow pitcher takes talent, skill and practice,” she said. “It will be a good experience.”
They likely will see a different type of pitcher against the Rams, who have placed in the Class 4A state tournament twice in the last five years. The Wolves finished second in the Bridge last year behind Wilson. South has lost its last six games against the Rams since the Wolves won 2-0 in the league playoffs on May 19, 2005.
“That will be the real test,” Ballew said. “But we’ll compete.”
Wednesday
South Kitsap 15, at Foss 0
South Kitsap 1(11)0 03x — 15 4 0
Foss 000 00 — 0 3 3
Emily Bricks and Bridjet Box. Jorden Miles and Sarah Fonoimoana.
W-Bricks. L-Miles.
Leading hitters: Bricks (SK) 1-2 BB 3B; Holly Lider (SK) 1-2 3B 3 RBI; Alexis O’Dell (SK) 1-3 BB 2 RBI.
Monday
South Kitsap 7, at Gig Harbor 5
South Kitsap 030 004 0 — 7 10 3
Gig Harbor 000 500 0 — 5 7 2
Erika Henderson and Bridjette Box. Sam Kimble and KJ Johnson.
W-Henderson. L-Kimble.
Leading hitters: Henderson (SK) 2-5; Ericka Hobson (SK) 2-4; Johnson (GH) 2-4 2B 2 RBI; Kimble (GH) 1-3 2 RBI.
