The Selma Times-Journal

One bad inning put the Morgan Academy softball team in an early hole at home against Patrician Academy Monday afternoon.

The Lady Saints brought all nine batters to the plate in the first inning and scored three runs. They eventually took a 5-0 win on the strength of a double-digit strikeout performance by pitcher Shayna Jimenson.

Jimenson got the win after pitching a complete game, allowing four hits, walking no batters and striking out 10. She faced just three batters over the minimum during the game, including retiring the first six she faced.

Kylie Lewis, Emily Harry and Amber Dobbins all singled and scored in the opening frame to stake Patrician to a three-run lead.

Morgan avoided further damage when Stephanie Russell flew out to right fielder Marleigh Jones to leave the bases loaded and end the inning.

Morgan starter Anne Larkin Oaks wriggled out of trouble once again in the second when she caught a popup with the bases loaded for the final out of the inning.

Sarah Hughey gave the Lady Senators their first base runner in the third inning when she hit a two-out, infield single. She knocked another infield hit in the fourth and finished 2-for-3 on the day.

Morgan lost its best chance to score in the sixth after Jones led off with a single. She eventually advanced all the way to third, but the next three batters were retired in order.

Patrician added to its lead in the fourth when Harry hit a sacrifice fly to center field to make it a 4-0 game.

Morgan left fielder Kelly Simmons started a double play and got an outfield assist on a lineout and throw to second to snuff out a Lady Saints rally in the fifth.

Patrician put the final run of the game up in the seventh when Stephanie Caudle hit an RBI single. Caudle went 3-for-3 on the afternoon.

Jimenson and Allie Roach joined Caudle with three-hit performances for the Lady Saints.

Oaks worked seven innings and took the loss for Morgan. She allowed 15 hits, walked none and struck out two.

Oaks and Jones were both 1-for-3 for Morgan.

The Lady Senators return to action today against region opponent Fort Dale.