A five run first inning kick started Merrill’s offense on their way to an 11-0 win over Wausau East on Thursday.
In the first inning of play Merrill would draw two walks, putting a runner in scoring position early. Kelsie Belfiori then singled to center field, driving in one run. Ally Semling followed with a single of her own, driving in another runner. A Megan Schroder single then scored two runs, giving the Jays a 4-0 lead. Schroder later scored on a ground out by Michelle Lahr.
The Jays would then score one run in each the second and third innings. In the second inning a Belfiori double to center field drove in Courtney Krueger from first base. The third inning saw Larh cross the plate on an error by the East right fielder, extending the Merrill lead to 7-0.
Four more runs in the fourth inning sealed the deal for the Jays. With a runner on first base Belfiori hit a hard grounder passed the East shortstop to score a run. Later in the inning Schroder singled to left field with runners on first and third, scoring another Merrill run. Abi Burgener followed Schroder with a single, scoring pinch runner Katie O’Malley. A walk to Larh loaded the bases for Nicole Zoellner who popped out, allowing a runner to tag up and score from third base.
Krueger would then shut down the East batters in the fifth inning to secure Merrill’s 11-0 victory. Krueger pitched all five innings for the Jays, allowing only three hits while striking out eight batters.
Leading hitters for Merrill include: Kelsie Belfiori (2H, 2RBI, 2R), Ally Semling (2H, RBI, R), Megan Schroder (2H, 2RBI, 2R), Michelle Lahr (H, RBI, BB) and Abi Burgener (H, RBI).