BAKER — Ever the optimist, Baker School softball Coach John Carlisle can usually find a silver lining even in the darkest cloud.
Monday’s game against Walton was one of those clouds for the Gators.
Walton pitcher Hannah Poole had her way with Gator batters most of the night striking out 12 while throwing a six-hit shutout as the Braves cruised to a 9-0 win.
Baker-Walton softball photos>>>
“That girl is probably got some of the best stuff we’ve seen all year,” Carlisle said of Poole. “She’s got a lot of movement on her pitches and we probably got frustrated a little bit and went after some pitches we probably won’t later in the year.
“The big thing was with our girls tonight I liked the enthusiasm we came out with. I’m not real happy with the outcome of it. But some of the little things that happened in the course of the game I felt a lot better with as far as how we did.”
Poole proved to be equally adept at the plate as she led the Walton offensive attack with three hits and two runs scored.
Gator starting pitcher Allison Newell held the Braves scoreless the first two innings despite Walton sending 10 batters to the plate.
The Braves loaded the bases in the first inning with two outs. Newell got out of the inning by getting Kelee Mosley to ground back to the mound.
Syndi Earley scored the only run Poole and the Braves would need in the top of the third. Earley walked and later scored on a wild pitch by Newell.
Kayla Jackson scored for Walton in the fourth inning.
The Braves added four runs in the fifth chasing Newell from the circle. Alexis Mitchem replaced Newell as pitcher for Baker and gave up three runs in the sixth inning
Poole delivered a two-run single that scored Earley and Jade Larrick in the sixth.
Jessica Black led the Baker (2-4) attack with two singles. Tori Foster had a double.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Walton softball team too strong for Baker (PHOTOS, VIDEO)