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By Travis Gupton

The Selma Times-Journal

Keith High School improved to 2-0 with a 16-7 win over Selma High School 16-7 on Thursday night behind a big offensive night.

Keith got the scoring going early in the first inning, scoring five runs in the frame. The Lady Bears were aggressive on the bases, stealing eight bases. Aniyah Richardson and Jeashanda Black had big hits in the inning that plated runs early.

From there, Keith’s offense continued scoring runs. Richardson led the way with a two-run triple, extending the lead for the Lady Bears.

Selma struggled at the plate early. Selma got the first two base runners on before Keith pitcher Ja’Kayla Moore found her stride.

Despite Keith having a large lead in the third inning, Selma battled back. The rain began pouring during the third inning.  Selma played well in the rain, but the errors piled up for Keith.

At the end of the third inning, Keith’s lead was cut, behind a inside the park grand slam by shortstop Daysha Smith.

It was the one-inning Keith head coach Towanna Flennory said the Lady Bears seemed unfocused all night.

“Once the rain started we made some unforced errors that gave them the opportunity to score, but we were able to refocus and finish the inning strong,” Flennory said.

Keith drew 13 walks in the game, often leading to RBI’s for the Lady Bears.

In the circle, Moore gave up five walks and struck out seven, including the side in the sixth inning for Keith. Selma had a rough night in the circle giving up 13 walks and striking out four. 

Flennory said that she was pleased with how her team played.

“We played well tonight. We were patient and smart with our bats and aggressive on the bases. Our pitching was very good tonight for it to be the 2nd game of the season,” Flennory said. “The final inning our pitcher was great. She finished the inning with three strikeouts.

“We are going to be okay. Selma is a good team and it is one of our rivalries, this win gives the girls confidence going forward. This is a great win, but we still have work to do. We have to be better; therefore, we are going to learn from this game and correct our mistakes, so we can be better.”