ALTON — Alton’s girls softball team’s offense erupted for 14 runs in the third inning as the Redbirds beat the Granite City Warriors 21-0 on Thursday at Alton High School.
Alton took control early in the bottom of the first inning when Sophia Hanneken singled to drive in two runs, and Sydney Moore was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to force in another run.
The Redbirds added on in the second after a single by Izzy Hernandez and a double by Hanneken.
Alton then broke the game open in the third, scoring 14 runs on 11 hits. Laci Fischer singled to bring in a run, Hernandez drew a walk that forced in a run, and Hanneken doubled to drive in two more.
Moore grounded out to score a run, and Isabella Briagas induced Anna Caughran to hit into a fielder’s choice, but a run scored. Lilly Henkhaus singled in a run, Gabby Gonzalez singled to drive in three, Maddy Gauntt singled in a run, Evelyn Kjar-Mangan singled in a run, and an error brought home two more.
Briagas started in the circle for Granite City and allowed 21 runs, 16 earned, on 15 hits over three innings, striking out two and walking seven.
Kynlie Muscarella started for Alton and gave up one hit and no runs over four innings, striking out four and walking one.
Briagas had Granite City’s lone hit, going 1 for 2.
Alton finished with 15 hits. Henkhaus and Hanneken each had three hits, and Hanneken went 3 for 3 with seven RBIs.
Hernandez and Genna Roark had multiple hits, and Hernandez drew two walks as Alton worked seven walks overall. Hanneken stole two bases, and Alton totaled seven stolen bases.
