Uniontown softball claims league openers over St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Kan. -- Uniontown's softball team swept St. Paul 8-1 and 14-3 Thursday in the Eagles' Three Rivers League opener.

Uniontown head coach Alan Shinn was happier with his team's effort after an inconsistent outing in Tuesday's home split with Yates Center.

"It was a big improvement from Tuesday night," Shinn said. "We were able to put the ball in play with our bats. We were much more aggressive at the plate and on the basepaths. We had a strong performance by both of our pitchers and excellent defense."

The Eagles (3-1) took a 2-0 lead ater one inning and were ahead 8-0 before St. Paul scored its lone run in the bottom of the seventh. Taylor Wade (2-0) allowed 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 9 as she went the distance inside the circle.

Hope Jurgensen led Uniontown's offense with 3 hits while Mandy Ridge had 2.

The Eagles scored half their runs in the top of the first inning in the nightcap and were ahead 14-1 after 4 1/2 innings. The game ended after five due to the 10-run rule.

Ridge (1-1) allowed 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 7 as she also went the distance. Tayler Shook had 3 hits including a double while Jurgensen had 2 hits, one of which was a triple. The Eagles cranked out 11 hits in all.

Uniontown will host Northeast in a league doubleheader Monday.