Panthers roll past Eagles in softball

By Steve Roush
Published in Sports on March 31, 2006 2:04 PM

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Robin Creech went 4-for-4 and smacked her fifth home run of the season in the first inning as visiting North Johnston beat Rosewood 13-3 on Thursday afternoon.

The Lady Panthers, state runners-up a year ago, scored nine unanswered runs to open the game before Rosewood pushed across its three runs in the third inning.

"We just didn't pull together today as a team," Rosewood coach Debbie Bailey said. "We didn't hit the ball well."

The same can't be said about North Johnston (9-5, 1-0 Carolina 1-A Conference), which pounded out a whopping 20 hits in a game that ended in the fifth inning as the mercy rule kicked in.

Amber Weaver picked up the win in relief of starter Jessica Narron, who tossed two hitless innings before leaving the game in the third when a throw by Rosewood shortstop Courtney Hill hit her above the left elbow after she had tripled.

Weaver gave up singles to Jessica Price, Abbey Barrow, Kasey Grey, Stephanie Rhodes and Jennifer Hall as Rosewood cut North Johnston's lead to 9-3 in the home half of the third, but only allowed one hit after that.

"She really settled down and pitched three strong innings," North Johnston coach George Daniels said.

Pitcher Aubrey Reinhard took the loss for Rosewood, which fell to 0-2 in conference play.

N. Johnston 432 13 -- 13 20 3

Rosewood 003 00 -- 3 6 3

Leading hitters -- North Johnston -- Hannah Ellis 4-4, 2B, 3 runs; Casey Creech 2-4, 2 runs; Robyn Creech 4-4, 3-run HR, 3B; Brandy Edwards 2-4; Shanice Williams 2-3; Stephanie Norris 2-3; Amber Weaver 1-1, 2B. Rosewood -- Jessica Price 1-3, run; Abbey Barrow 1-3, run; Courtney Hill 1-3; Kasie Grey 1-3, run; Stephanie Rhodes 1-1, run, walk; Jennifer Hall 1-2.

IP H R BB SO

North Johnston

J. Narron 2 0 0 1 2

A. Weaver (W) 3 6 3 0 1

Rosewood

A. Reinhard (L) 5 20 13 0 0