Valley Sports ReportATHENS — Athens took control in the second inning, and blew the game wide open in the fourth inning on its way to a 23-9 win over Canton here Tuesday in the opening round of bracket play in the District 15 Little League Majors Division softball playoffs.
Athens, playing as the visiting team, plated seven runs — all with two outs — in the second inning, the key blow being a grand slam by Harper Liechty, to take a 10-2 lead.
Leading 14-4, Athens scored nine more runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Olivia Wilcox was 3-for-3 with three runs scored, and three RBI, and Liechty homered and tripled, scored two runs, and had six RBI to pace Athens' 16-hit attack, while Lucy Cole was 3-for-3 with a double, one run scored, and two RBI, and Sophia Barrett singled twice, scored two runs, and drove in three runs.
Bryn Bishop singled twice and scored two runs in the win, while Kendall Butcher doubled, scored one run, and knocked in one run, Ameilia Archibald singled and scored two runs, and Terrianna Orshal singled and scored one run.
Sadie Wanck, Brooklyn Watkins, and Molly McGrath each scored two runs for Athens, and Khloe Butcher crossed the plate once.
Wilcox started in the circle for Athens, allowing three runs — two earned — on four hits, while striking out five and walking none.
Bishop pitched the final two innings, allowing six runs — two earned — on four hits, with four strikeouts and four walks.
Athens will host RTL Thursday in the semifinals.
