Document text
More is always better, South Medford softball coach Miranda Gillaspie-Smith surmised on Tuesday, but sometimes all you need is just enough offense to win. After her squad's 1-0 victory over Southwest Conference rival Grants Pass at South Medford High, Gillaspie-Smith could have just as easily said Moore is always better. Moore, as in Pat Moore, the Panthers' standout lefty. The junior tossed a one-hit shutout with 19 strikeouts and three walks, and Jeryka Johnson and Jewel Burgoyne-Russell provided the necessary offense in the sixth inning to lift South's perfect record to 8-0. Johnson led off with a triple, and Burgoyne-Russell singled her home. "We know going into a game facing Pat that we are going to get very limited opportunities, and we were looking for that big hit or two," Grants Pass head coach Donnie Bellum said. "She is one of the top pitchers in the state for a reason." The Panthers, who finished with just four hits, got a pair of clutch ones in the sixth. Johnson tripled down the third-base line before Moore was walked. "We were really just hoping to get a few hits," said Johnson, whose triple was the second of her career. Enter Burgoyne-Russell, who singled to left field. "That was the time we needed it," Gillaspie-Smith said. "Would we have liked to have pushed (across) one or two more right there? Yes. But sometimes one is all you need." Burgoyne-Russell said her big moment felt comfortable. "It was all right," said Burgoyne-Russell, who finished 2-for-3. "There weren’t any outs so I didn't feel any pressure. I was just relaxed and calm." In the top of the seventh inning, Brielle Doman drew a walk before Moore fanned the next three batters. "Pat's throwing well," Gillaspie-Smith said. "We just need to make sure to put some runs on the board. We need to support her. Pat's a true competitor, all day, every day." The Panthers, who are 4-0 in the Southwest Conference, are the last remaining undefeated squad at the Class 6A level. The secrets behind their success, Moore said, are diligence in practice and good chemistry. "We have been so focused this year, from practices to games," said Moore, who is 8-0. "It is all about performing and just trying to get in a mode where we can roll with each other. ... Our team is so awesome. We just practice as hard as we can every day. Everyone gets along." South catcher Bailee Tatum also submitted a strong effort, Gillaspie-Smith added. "All day long, that kid is busting her tail," she said. Alyssa Etheridge threw four-hitter with six strikeouts and one walk for Grants Pass (6-2, 3-1), which completed a double play in the fourth. Dalenna Bellum had the Cavers' only hit, and it came in the fifth with one out. South will next play in a doubleheader at Thurston on Saturday before a road date with crosstown rival North Medford on Tuesday. Grants Pass;000;000;0;—;0;1;1 South Medford;000;001;x;—;1;4;0 Etheridge and Doman; Moore and Tatum. W — Moore (8-0). L — Etheridge (5-2). 3B — SM: Johnson. Reach reporter Dan Jones at 541-776-4499, or email [email protected]. Find him online at twitter.com/danjonesmt     null