As openers go Coach Jessica Schroeder-Cooper could not have asked for things to go any better last Friday as the Redskins rolled to an easy weather-plagued 17-2 win over Jenkins.
The Redskins, looking to rebound from a rare losing season, wasted no time in jumping on the Warriors as they put up 11 runs in the first inning as 16 hitters went to the plate against the error plagued visitors.
Prior to the game former Redskins pitching standout Hayden Joyner threw out the first pitch. Joyner just finished a successful two years at Georgia Highlands College and has signed to play at the University of Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky. She was also named a NJCAA Academic All-America for her classroom performance.
Bryan County, which pounded out 12 hits while drawing nine walks, tacked on four runs in the second and two in the third to end the game due to the mercy rule. The start of the game was questionable as there was rain and lightning in the area but fortunately for the Redskins it was deemed safe to play.
Peyton Scott led Bryan County’s hit parade as she had three singles in as many at bats. As a team the Redskins were 12-for-16. Emily Johnson was 2-for-2 with a triple and three RBI while Liz Harvey was 2-for-2 with both of her hits going for doubles. Cam Parker had a triple while walking twice.
Parker and Harvey each scored three times as did McKinely Walker who singled and walked twice.
Eris Deal got the win as she gave up three hits one of which was a home run by Gabby Barnum. Deal also helped her own cause with a two-run single. The Warriors, coming off a 2-18 season, have struggled the last three seasons as they have gone 9-50.
After easily beating the outmanned Warriors, the Redskins stepped up in competition on Wednesday when they hosted Southeast Bulloch before starting what is literally a month-long road trip with two games at Jackson County on Saturday.
The Redskins are slated to play Mary Persons at 11 a.m. and then take on Jackson at 1 p.m. That will mark the start of a nine-game stretch in which Bryan County will have only one home game, an Aug. 19 game with Jenkins County.
Bryan County will open Region 3A-DII play next Tuesday at Metter followed by a Thursday game at Screven County. Metter and Screven are both strong favorites to win the region along with Emanuel County Institute.