Jenna Poage struck out seven in a complete-game performance as Mustang defeated Southmoore 5–1 Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Mustang High School softball complex.

The Broncos built a five-run lead with timely hitting, then backed Poage as she worked through Southmoore's seventh-inning response. She held the Sabercats scoreless through six innings, struck out the side in the fifth and finished the game with a swinging strikeout.

Two-out hits put Mustang ahead

Skyla Hagan opened the scoring with a two-out RBI triple to right field in the first inning, bringing a courtesy runner home from first for a 1–0 lead.

Mustang added another run with two outs in the second. A single to left kept the inning alive, and an RBI double to right-center sent the runner around from first to slide home for a 2–0 advantage.

Poage retired Southmoore in order in each of the first two innings. The Sabercats put two runners aboard in the third, but a flyout to left ended the threat. In the fourth, Poage fielded a grounder and threw to first to strand another runner.

Three-run fourth creates separation

A leadoff walk and Poage's single started Mustang's fourth-inning rally. An RBI single to right brought home the lead runner, moving a courtesy runner for Poage to third and making it 3–0.

After Southmoore changed pitchers, Mustang added a run on a groundout to third. A single up the middle drove in the inning's third run for a 5–0 lead.

The Broncos collected four hits in the inning and eventually loaded the bases before Southmoore recorded the final out.

Poage followed with her strongest inning, striking out all three hitters in the fifth. Mustang's defense helped preserve the shutout in the sixth with a running catch in foul territory and a flyout to right before Poage added another strikeout.

Poage finishes after late challenge

Southmoore broke through with a leadoff solo home run in the seventh, then followed with a single. The runner advanced to second when a pitch got away, prompting a visit to the circle.

Poage remained in the game. Consecutive groundouts to third gave Mustang two outs, and she struck out a pinch hitter swinging to leave a runner at third and seal the victory.

MHS Bronco Sports credited Poage with four hits allowed and named her its player of the game. The broadcast's final totals showed nine hits for Mustang and no errors by either team.

Line score

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R
Southmoore 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
Mustang 1 1 0 3 0 0 X 5

Sources