By Noah Dalton
MONTGOMERY – Mitchell High School began the 2024 season on Tuesday, traveling to Barr-Reeve to take on the Vikings in a losing effort, 6-3.
Things began nicely for Mitchell, as they jumped out to an early three-run lead. Page Mullis was the first to knock in a run for the Bluejackets, singling in the third inning to give way for pinch-runner Gabriella Roush to score from third base. They extended their lead with a two-run homer from Davaney Roop in the fourth, scoring her and Emma Chastain, who’d singled earlier in the inning.
To that point, Mitchell, behind pitcher Karsyn Coleman, had yet to give up a hit, though that changed in the bottom of the fourth when Barr-Reeve began to climb their way back into the contest.
A leadoff double from Natalie Stoll put her in scoring position before she eventually made her way home after a few Bluejackets’ mishaps. Another Vikings runner, Lucy Wirtz, scored in the next at-bat following an error from Mitchell, before a pair of consecutive strikeouts from Coleman retired the side to end the inning.
In the following innings, Barr-Reeve earned six more hits and scored four more runs to take a strong lead, as the Bluejackets struggled, unable to get a runner on base and ending the game on nine consecutive strikeouts.
Mullis finished with two hits on the evening to lead Mitchell in that category, also batting in a run in the third inning. Paisley Modglin, Chastain and Roop also came away with hits, Roop’s being her two-run homer in the fourth, also earning her two RBIs.
Coleman pitched five innings for the Bluejackets, striking out eight. She was relieved by Mullis, who struck out two in one inning at the mound.
Addison Jones was the lone Viking to end the game with at least two hits to lead her team. She also earned an RBI, joined by Sydney Wilson, Kennedy Huff and Wirtz.
Huff and Karlye Graber split duties at the mound for Barr-Reeve, with Huff throwing for four innings and Graber finishing the final three. They combined for 11 strikeouts, nine of which were credited to Graber.
Next, Mitchell will hit the road Saturday morning for another game away from their home field, this time to take on Borden. The matchup is set to begin at 11 a.m.
