Article published Apr 19, 2007
Plymouth-Canton Observer
BY ED WRIGHT
STAFF WRITER
Canton pitchers Sarah Anthony and Hilary Payne combined to put the spring brakes on Plymouth's offense Monday afternoon in both teams' Western Lakes Activities Association Western Division opener.
The hard-throwing duo limited the Wildcats to just one hit in the Chiefs' 5-0 triumph in a game played in windy conditions at Plymouth.
"I thought the key was our pitching today," said Canton coach Jim Arnold. "I was going to let Sarah throw three innings, but she was doing so well, I kept her in for four. Hilary throws so hard, it took Plymouth a while to get used to her velocity. They both did a fine job mixing up their pitches."
Anthony faced just 15 batters in four innings of work, striking out four while yielding one hit and one walk. Payne retired all nine batters she faced, five with strikeouts.
Canton, which outhit its host 7-1, scored four runs in the fourth and one in the fifth. Leading the offensive charge for the winners were senior Mary Kate McWhirter (2-for-3, two RBI), sophomore Shelby Anthony (1-for-2, two RBI) and senior Kim Beaudoin (1-for-3, RBI).
"I thought we were a little nervous the first few innings, being it was our first game and everything," Arnold said. "We hit the ball pretty well considering we haven't played in a while. Overall, I was impressed with our performance."
Arnold praised the play of Shelby Anthony's defense at shortstop during the opening four innings. "She made plays on two hard-hit balls that were just outstanding," he said.
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2007 Canton Chiefs Softball
