NEW PALESTINE — The top-ranked New Palestine Dragons began their title defense with a bang Monday night.
Three home runs in the first inning, then two grand slams in the third inning put the game out of reach and the rest of Sectional 27 on notice on way to a 21-1 opening round victory against Beech Grove.
“We talked today about being the visiting team and the importance of getting on top early,” Dragons coach Ed Marcum said. “I guess back-to-back-to-back home runs serves that purpose pretty well.”
The first inning started off with a walk. Then Michaela Jones, Emily O’Connor and Macy Miller all went deep.
Then, in the third inning, Jaylin Calvert drilled a ball to center field for a grand slam. Emily O’Connor matched that feat during her second at-bat of the inning (O’Connor had two home runs and was also hit by a pitch twice for the game).
In all, the Dragons scored 13 runs in the third inning, and the rest of the game was academic.
O’Connor led New Palestine with five RBIs. Calvert had four with her grand slam. The Dragons out-hit the Hornets, 12 to two.
“I really liked how we approached it at the plate today,” Marcum said. “With the cool weather, we had to hit it pretty hard to get it out today and that’s what they did.”
The Hornets were never able to muster any offensive firepower of their own. Dragons starter Sam Booe had five strikeouts in two innings and freshman Katie Kottlowski came in to pitch the final three innings and earn her first varsity win.
“Sam was pitching great tonight,” Marcum said. “But with a game tomorrow and being up so many runs, I thought we’d give Katie a chance.”
The Dragons advance to the semifinals and will play Connersville at 7 p.m. The Dragons topped the Spartans, 9-0, during the regular season.
“Every game we play is important,” Marcum said. “We’ve approached every game the same this season and we will continue to do so. We want to win them all, so why treat them any different?”
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#1 New Palestine 21, Beech Grove 1
NP (23-3);60(13);20-;21;12;1
BG (3-15);000;01-;1;2;2
WP: Katie Kottlowski (1-0). LP: Lexi Ham (3-12).
HR: E. O’Connor 2, M. Jones, M. Miller, J. Calvert (NP). 3B: T. Biddle (NP). 2B: A. Miller (NP).
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