The ballgames are over at Craig County High this spring as both the baseball and softball teams bowed out of Region 1C play last week.
The baseball team had a rough road to travel, as they were matched up with defending Class 1 champion Auburn in the opening round. Not surprisingly, the talented Eagles took a 19-0 mercy rule victory over the Rockets in Riner last Thursday.
Auburn jumped on Craig early and didn’t allow the Rockets a hit in the win. Auburn improved to 20-1 and advanced to a region game against Grayson County on Memorial Day while Craig finished at 5-13. Rocket head coach Corey Smith had no comment on the season.
The Craig softball team won their Pioneer District tournament third place game on Monday, May 20, in New Castle. The Rockets came from 10-2 behind to win 24-12, scoring 10 runs in the third inning. Jenna Boitnotte broke things open with a three-RBI double and the girls kept the lead from there.
The Rockets were patient at the plate, drawing 18 walks. Boitnotte had two doubles and a single for five RBIs total while Layla Dooley had three singles and four RBIs. Lily Hutchison was two-for-two with three RBIs and Kallie Fisher pitched and had eight strikeouts to pick up the win.
On Thursday of last week the Rockets opened Region 1C play against Fort Chiswell and the Pioneers took a 17-0 win in Max Meadows, VA.
“They have a great hitting team and a strong pitcher,” said Craig coach Elaina Wolfe-Carper. “However, only six of the runs were earned.”
Kammie Fisher pitched and gave up 14 hits and had three strikeouts. Craig had just one hit, by Flowers.
With the loss the girls ended the season at 4-10.
“This has been a rough season for all of us,” said Wolfe-Carper. “Sloppy defense has been our downfall in most of our games. Inconsistency there is frustrating because I’ve seen each one of these girls make outstanding plays, so we know what they are capable of.”
The Rockets will lose three key position players, Lily Hutchison at catcher, Karly Potter at first and Randalyn Taylor in center.
“Those three have been great leaders on the team, and we will miss them tremendously,” said Wolfe-Carper. “For next season, my hope is to maintain the progress that has been made on offense and continue to improve our defense. It will be tough to fill the positions our seniors held, but we also have some talented girls remaining and on jayvee team. If the girls are willing to put in the work this offseason they have the talent they need to come back a much stronger team next spring.”
