Two-Run First Inning Powers Milan Girls Past Belleville

The Milan Big Reds’ girls softball team opened its season Friday with a 2-0 win over the Belleville Tigers. Starting pitcher Kat Hoffman threw a complete game, allowing one hit while striking out seven and walking one.

“That’s a pretty normal game for Kat. She’s a great pitcher. She normally goes the whole game; sometimes she’ll go more than that if we play a doubleheader. She can last a long time,” said head coach Stacey Heams.

The Big Reds' (1-0) offense started off strong, scoring both of their runs in the opening inning. Nina Doran and Cheyenne Brierley earned the two RBIs for Milan.  The team gathered seven hits over six innings of work, but it failed to plate another runner after the first.

“We definitely need to improve our hitting. Last year we kind of peaked early and we came out so strong with our bats. This year it’s kind of the opposite, so hopefully we’re going to work our way up,” said Heams.

Defensively, Milan played a solid game, even with players in new positions. Doran moved from second to shortstop and Brierley moved to third from center field due to Vanessa Garcia’s sore arm; Garcia moved to second to allow a softer day on her throwing shoulder.

“We played very good defensively. They all backed each other up, they made great plays and Kat did a great job pitching,” said Heams.

The team travels to New Boston Huron on April 13.