HS Softball: Independence blanks county rival Shady Spring

Freshman Payton Boothe fires a one-hitter, while the bats pound out 12 hits, including three homers in an 8-0 win

Independence and Shady Spring have had some classic duels on the softball diamond over the years.

Wednesday night, however, when the two Raleigh County rivals faced off for the first time this season, another classic did not appear to be in the cards.

The Patriots entered the contest with an experienced team, highlighted by all-state talent.

The Tigers, on the other hand, fielding a young and inexperienced team, hit hard by graduation and transfers.

Experience ruled the day.

Although Shady Spring put up a strong effort, Independence moved its reciord to 5-0 on the young season with an 8-0 win in five innings.

Patriots head coach Ken Adkins discussed the win over the Tigers.

Independence opened the scoring in the bottom of the first when Jenna Joyce singled home Payton Boothe who had reached on a two-out double.

The Patriots then added two additional runs in the second inning on an RBI-single from Emma Simpson and a fielder's choice ground ball by Ava Parks.

Facing the possibility surrendering a big inning, Shady Spring came up big defensively with a double play to escape any further damage.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, they only temporarily slowed the Independence juggernaut.

Joyce opened the bottom of the third inning with a solo blast which was matched in order by Bella Lilly and Paytin Brehm.

Simpson then pushed the lead to 7-0 when she doubled home a run later in the inning.

Shady Spring survived the fourth frame before the home team closed out the game in the fifth.

Brehm walked to start the at-bat and moved to third base on a double from Peyton Raban. Brehm scored the final run on a ground ball from Kam Justice-Harris.

Boothe picked up the win in the circle allowing just one hit and fanning 10 batters.