The Danville softball team has had a hot start to the season with a 5-1 record, led by superior pitching mixed with solid production at the dish.
“Grace Gronberg and Addy Bocock have continued to be impressive on the mound,” said Coach Charlie Duncan. “They continue to push each other to improve each week. This week I was very happy with our offensive production. Jaylyn Smith and Alicia Humphrey had a great week at the plate. All week Jaylyn showed the ability to get on base consistently and Alicia's did an amazing job knocking in runs.”
On April 6, the Blue Devils had a double-header against Tuscarawas Central Catholic, where they shut out the Saints 4-0 and then followed with a 12-1 rout.
Gronberg has been terrific to start the season, and she was nearly unstoppable against the Saints with a seven inning, one hit shutout where she struck out 11 batters in a 4-0 win.
Humphrey had a triple and three RBIs, going 1-for-2 with a walk. Smith was 2-for-3 with a pair of runs and Mickley was 2-for-4 with a run.
Bocock pitched all five innings and gave up only one hit and one earned run on a homer, while striking out 12 batters to take the 12-1 win.
Leading the offense was Humphrey with a 2-for-3 day, including a double and a solo homer. Gronberg homered on the next at bat, making it back-to-back for the duo. She was 3-for-3 with two RBIs and three runs. Coach Duncan was also happy with Maddy Payne and Ruby Bartok’s place, as they both went 3-for-3 in the win.
“We are continuing to alternate lineups which seem to be working well, with every girl stepping up and fulfilling their roles,” Duncan said. “It says a lot about our depth and the “Mudita” mentality we strive for. Each member of our team plays a vital role, and I'm proud of the cohesive unit we've become, that has to continue.”
The season is still young, but Duncan said the Blue Devils need to focus on continuing to get better as each week gets tougher and tougher. They have six games in six days this week, and he knows this will be a test.
“We have to get better every week,” Duncan said. “On defense we need to make routine plays and be where we need to be when the ball is put in play. Offensively we are hitting well, just need to string a few more together and limit the number of runners left on base.”
