By Rob Potter
MONGAUP VALLEY — The L&B Tack softball team took an early lead on Tuesday night and didn’t look back.
L&B Tack jumped out to a 7-0 lead over The Nugget in the first inning of a Sullivan County Women’s Softball League (SCWSL) game at Edward M. Collins Memorial Park in Mongaup Valley.
L&B Tack increased its advantage to 8-0 in the top of the third as Francine Kaiser led off the frame with an inside-the-park home run.
In the top of the fourth, Kaiser’s sister, Tricia Tuttle, blasted an RBI triple to center field to make it a 9-0 game.
The Nugget got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fourth. With one out, Marissa Ashcroft reached base on an error. After another out was recorded, Patty Anderson ripped a triple to left field to score Ashcroft.
L&B Tack added four runs in the top of the sixth.
Jamie Hopkins began the frame by smacking a triple to left field. She crossed home plate when the next batter, Liz Stubits, singled to right field.
Moments later, Karen Smith stepped into the batter’s box with one out, Stubits at third base and Tuttle on second base. Smith then hit an infield single, which allowed both Stubits and Tuttle to score. Smith advanced to second base when The Nugget attempted to tag out Tuttle at home plate.
Smith scored on a single by Kaiser to give L&B Tack a commanding 14-1 lead.
The Nugget answered with four runs in the bottom of the sixth, however.
With one out and two teammates on base, Kendra Harris hit a bloop single behind second base to bring Stephanie Kellam in to score.
Harris and Amanda Davis both crossed home plate when Ashcroft ripped a triple to deep left field.
Ashcroft scored The Nugget’s final run of the evening on a double by Anderson.
L&B Tack recorded its last run in the top of the seventh.
With two outs, Stubits singled to right center field. She scored when the next batter, her sister, Barb Merton, tripled to right field.
Mr. Willy’s wins two games
In other SCWSL action last week, Mr. Willy’s recorded two victories to improve its season record to 10-3.
On Monday night at the Swan Lake Firefighters’ Max Eronimous Field, Mr. Willy’s topped Cooper Paint by final score of 3-1.
On Tuesday night at Collins Park, Mr. Willy’s defeated New Hope, 17-2.
Several games scheduled for this week
L&B Tack will look to continue its winning ways tonight in a SCWSL “A” Division game against Charlie’s Angels at Gary A. Bradley Field at the White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Park.
In other SCWSL games tonight, ICC will face the Discovery Center Diamonds in a “B” Division game at 6:15 p.m. at Collins Park. At 7:30 p.m., Sonny’s Service Center will play The Nugget in a “B” Division contest at Collins Park.
Tomorrow’s SCWSL doubleheader at Collins Park features ICC vs. Charlie’s Angels at 6:15 p.m. and Mr. Willy’s vs. Klein & Sons Logging at 7:30 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Cooper Paint will play Dutch’s Tavern at Bradley Field at White Sulphur Springs Firemen’s Park.