Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Friday, March 21, the Branford High School softball team hosted the Suwannee Bulldogs for a showdown. What followed was a friendly match between the two Suwannee County schools, with both sides looking to prove themselves superior.
The first inning was a close contest, with only the Buccaneers managing to sneak one runner across home plate. Both the second and third innings were tight, and neither team was able to score a single point. In the fourth inning, the Buccaneers again pushed their lead forward, scoring two points while keeping the Bulldogs at bay. The fifth inning was similar, with the Bucs pushing their lead even further by scoring four points. The sixth inning mirrored the fourth, with the Buccaneers scoring another two points. The seventh and final inning saw the Buccaneers score another three points. The Bulldogs were finally able to respond, scoring two points before the game ended. The game came to a close with a 12-2 Buccaneer victory over the Bulldogs.
Madyson Sikes and Jesse Frierson were some of the standout batters, as each of them secured a home run. Both also stood out in their ability to get other runners across home plate; Sikes had two runs batted in, while Frierson had four. The top scorers of the evening were Danielle Whitfield and Cloey Criggall, who each crossed home plate three different times. From the defensive angle, Payten Bates was at the top of the group, completing a total of five outs. Right behind her were Morgan Brennan and Mallory Blue, who had four completed outs. Blue was also the only pitcher for the Buccaneers that evening. She only allowed five hits and two runs while completing four strikeouts.
The next Buccaneers home game will be on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. against the Williston Red Devils. The next Bulldogs home game will be on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. against the Fort White Indians.
