Warriors' offense comes alive in first two innings

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on March 8, 2009 9:55 AM

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Eastern Wayne's offense finally showed up one day later.

The Warriors scored nine runs in the first two innings and Lani Fricks recorded nine strikeouts in the pitcher's circle during an 10-0, non-conference thumping of Jones Senior on Friday afternoon.

Officials halted the game after 51/2 innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.

Just 24 hours earlier, Eastern Wayne endured a 3-0 shutout at perennial power West Carteret. The Warriors tagged Jones Senior hurler Kaitlyn Stilley for 11 hits, including six in a seven-run, second-inning.

Fricks helped her cause with a two-run, first-inning single and an RBI base hit in the second inning.

Carrisa Turner, Dashonique Bristow and Casey Mitchell each collected an RBI during the home half of the second.

"Our girls swung the bat, put it in play and put the pressure on them," said second-year Warriors head coach Tony Parrish. "It's all in their psyche. If they know they can do it, we have to believe. It makes you play a little looser when you're able to score."

Fricks limited the Trojans to two hits in a complete-game effort on the rubber. The right-hander struck out five of the first nine batters she faced and threw first-pitch strikes to the first 12 Jones Senior hitters.

"Last year in the beginning, when we struggled it was when Lani struggled," said Parrish. "It was because of walks and we cannot defend a walk. Her goal this year is to throw strikes and to let us help her.

"So far in two games this season she's done that. That's her key."

Allisa Sutton capped the Warriors' scoring with a fourth-inning, RBI triple that scored Chantel Reynolds. Fricks finished 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI and a run scored. Bristow went 2-for-2 with a run scored and a stolen base.

Eastern Wayne (2-1) visits Greene Central on at 4 p.m. on Monday.