Early errors cause trouble for the young Giants

FISHERSVILLE — Waynesboro softball coach John Hull said his team needed to work harder on the fundamentals. After the Little Giants were rattled by Wilson Memorial 15-3 on Monday, it will be back to Kate Collins to practice.

Errors dampened the mood in the Giants dugout as they gave up 13 unearned runs by the sixth inning.

“We have a lot to learn,” Hull said. “The girls just need to learn the fundamentals. The talent is there, but those errors really hurt us. We were doing a good job in the beginning. We’re making young mistakes.”

The Hornets had a lone run in the second inning after Serena Rohrbaugh walked, stole second base and advanced to third on a wild pitch.

Wilson and the Giants both had ample opportunities in the first three innings to blow the game open. The Giants tied the game at 2-2 at the top of the third. Kala Bartley, who was 3-for-4 at the plate, had a lead-off double and later scored on an error by Wilson’s shortstop. The Giants added another run to give them their only lead of the game.

The Hornets answered by scoring five unearned runs in the bottom the inning.

Kala Bartley worked 5 and 2/3 innings for the Giants (0-2, 0-0 Southern Valley), allowing six walks.

Katie Grimm pitched seven innings for the Hornets, walking three and striking out seven. Grimm left the pitcher’s circle calmly after the win to join her teammates in their post-game huddle.

“I never think about how many strike outs I get or things like that,” Grimm said. “I just go up there and do the best that I can.”

Wilson coach Maura Stout has taught her pitcher to stay cool under pressure.

“She’s our go-to pitcher,” Stout said. “We always talk about relaxing and not to think ‘Oh, I got this.’ ”

Grimm had even more insurance midway through the game.

At a score of 6-2, Wilson added four more runs in the fourth inning and another five in the bottom of the sixth.

The Giants have a short time to collect themselves before their road game in Harrisonburg tonight. They will also play at Turner Ashby on Friday.

“We just need to get more field time, more practice time,” Hull said. “We gotta get our heads straight.”

The Hornets are 2-1 overall and will play at Parry McCluer tonight.