Ellie Welgat is on the mound as Jalissa Peach, covering second, looks on. [Submitted photo]

Lily Lee drove in five runs on one hit to lead Central Steamers past Stark County JH Softball 2023, 17-3 on Thursday. Lily tripled in the second inning, scoring three runs, and walked in the fourth inning, scoring one.

Stark County JH Softball 2023 got on the board in the first inning when Cambri H singled, scoring one run.

But the Steamers flipped the game on its head in the top of the second, scoring six runs on four hits to take a 6-1 lead. The biggest blow in the inning was a triple by Lily that drove in three.

Central Steamers added to their early lead in the top of the third inning after Evie Favela and Gretchen Hull both singled. Lily was struck by a pitch, each scoring one run.

Central Steamers scored eight runs on two hits in the top of the fourth inning. Ellie Welgat singled, scoring one run, Elle Ensley drew a walk, scoring one run, Allyson P drew a walk, scoring one run, Lily drew a walk, scoring one run, Jalissa Peach drew a walk, scoring one run, Evelyn Schiltz drew a walk, scoring one run, Olivia Ralston drew a walk, scoring one run, and Evie drew a walk, scoring one run.

Ellie earned the win for Central Steamers. The starting pitcher surrendered five hits and three runs over four innings, striking out nine and walking none. Scarlett S started in the circle for Stark County JH Softball 2023. The starting pitcher surrendered eight hits and 12 runs over three innings, striking out two and walking nine.

Central Steamers amassed nine hits in the game. Ellie set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Central Steamers with three hits in five at bats. Central Steamers had a strong eye at the plate, collecting 16 walks for the game. Elle and Evelyn led the team with three free passes each. Elle stole two bases. Central Steamers ran wild on the base paths, tallying six stolen bases for the game. Central Steamers didn’t commit a single error in the field. Lily had the most chances in the field with nine.

Cambri provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led Stark County JH Softball 2023 with two runs batted in. The catcher went 2-for-2 on the day. Madison E stole two bases. Stark County JH Softball 2023 turned one double play in the game.

Central moved to 1-1 in the season and are back in action Saturday at Washington. Their next home game is Monday, August 14 at Northeast Park.