BRANDT – A cloud-covered sky and random sprinkles of rain didn’t prevent an illuminating display of offense from Arcanum as the Trojans run-ruled Bethel 17-1 Thursday evening.
The top of the first inning was a masterful start by the Arcanum softball team, led by a single from Abbie Bruns. Bruns and Brittany Kinney later would score off a single by Shelby Howard, bringing the lead to 2-0.
To follow, Hannah Weaver and McKenzie Sharritts scored off a single by Kaitlyn Zell, Cassidy Clark and Abby Ross scored off a single from Bruns, and Elle Siculan and Brenna Loxley scored off a single from Loganne Stone.
With two out and the score 8-0, Loganne Stone, likely ordered by Coach Rick Stone in a display of sportsmanship, advanced early before the pitcher was in stance, which was an out that ended the inning.
At the top of the second, Kinney, Howard, Clark and Zell all scored, extending the lead to 12-0.
At the bottom of the inning, Bethel showed signs of life. Jessica Gilbride scored a run off a double by Morgan Shaffer, and the inning ended 12-1.
Arcanum scored two more runs at the top of the third thanks to a double by Loganne Stone that sent Bruns in for the score. Stone also would score, extending the lead to 14-1.
Not much changed in the fourth inning. Ross scored on a double by Siculan. Siculan then scored off a Bruns single. The inning ended with the score 16-1 as Bruns advanced early for an out.
The fifth and final inning was highlighted by the crack of thunder that was Kinney’s bat connecting with the ball, sending it soaring over the center field fence for a home run. With actual thunder in the distance, and wind starting to pick up, the next two batters who got on base made sure to leave early and force themselves out, another show of sportsmanship by Coach Stone, to end the inning 17-1.
The 17-1 score stood as Bethel was unable to score at the bottom of the fifth, and the run rule ended the game with a dominant Trojans victory.
Bruns went 4-for-4 with three singles, a triple, three runs and two RBIs. Loganne Stone went 2-for-3 with a single, double, two runs and four RBIs. Kinney went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs and a home run. Howard went 1-for-2 with a single, a run and two RBIs.
Sharritts went 2-for-2 with two hits, two runs and two RBIs. Zell went 3-for-4 with three hits, one run and three RBIs. Clark went 3-for-4 with three hits and one run. Ross went 1-for-3 with a hit, two runs and one RBI. Siculan went 2-for-2 with two hits, three runs and one RBI.
Bruns not only had a perfect day at bat, but also had a stellar day pitching—which the defense played its role in. Bruns only gave up one run in five innings pitched with two strikeouts, five hits and two walks to get the win.
The Arcanum Trojans advance to 14-1 with the victory.
