By Michael Shipma

The Charles Henderson High School softball team used a high-scoring third inning and a stingy defense to defeat 5A Area 3 foe Greenville High School 10-0 at home on Tuesday night.

The Lady Trojans plated six runs in the third inning on their way to a mercy-rule victory that halted the game in the fifth inning. As a team, Charles Henderson posted 12 hits to just three from the Tigers.

Sophomore pitcher Molly Kate Sanders got the start in the circle for the Trojans, recording four strikeouts in three innings pitched. Behind her, the Charles Henderson defense played a tight game, collecting fly outs and ground balls to keep Greenville baserunners from scoring. Sanders contributed in more ways than just pitching, however, as she orchestrated a key double play to close out the top of the first inning.

After putting up one run in the first inning and a scoreless second, the Trojans unleashed a flurry of hits that they turned into runs.

With the bases loaded and only one out, junior Lindsey Fox hit a two-run RBI that made the score 3-0 in favor of the home team. This set up back to back two-run RBI singles that added to the total later in the inning, giving the Trojans a 7-0 lead headed into the fourth.

Charles Henderson’s defense and pitching continued to give Greenville trouble, as Sanders was relieved in the circle by freshman Emma Kirkpatrick. Kirkpatrick closed out the game for the Trojans, allowing no hits or walks while striking out one.

Three more runs, courtesy of several Tiger errors and RBI’s from Fox and senior Hope Freeswick, were all that Charles Henderson needed to earn the victory.

Greenville was led offensively by freshman Tankeya Smith, who went 1-2 at the plate with a double.

The Trojans return to play on Thursday when they travel to take on Dothan.