By Fred Kroner
Alyssa Acton continued her series of stellar late-season pitching outings on Saturday (May 7) as the St. Joseph-Ogden softball team won first place in its own invitational.
Acton (7-1) hurled a five-inning complete game in the opener, an 11-1 triumph over Salt Fork. She threw a two-hitter and struck out six. The left-hander was later summoned for the final 2 1/3 innings of an 8-2 victory over Meridian.
The junior extended her streak of not allowing an earned run to her last six appearances and 25 consecutive innings.
Madison Stevens (3-1) pitched the first 4 2/3 innings against Meridian and earned the win.
SJ-O pounded four home runs against Salt Fork. Shayne Immke powered two of those shots. Peyton Jones and Kelsey Martlage drilled one home run apiece.
For the day, Acton and Jones spearheaded the offense with five total hits. Immke drove in five runs between the two games. Jacey Lewis scored five runs and Immke crossed home plate four times.
Against Salt Fork, Acton drilled three hits while Addison Frick, Immke, Jones, Lewis and Addy Martinie contributed two hits apiece.
Jones landed three hits and Acton two against Meridian.
SJ-O (21-8-1) returns to action on Monday (May 9) at Tuscola.
The Spartans’ program has compiled 34 consecutive 20-win seasons (excluding 2020, when the IHSA canceled the entire season).
