The Chesterton softball team ran its winning streak to six straight with an impressive offensive performance in a 14-2 six-inning victory over Michigan City on Tuesday night.

“We hit the ball hard tonight,” Chesterton coach LouAnn Hopson said. “Michigan City's field is extremely deep, so singles often produce two runs because the outfielders have to play deeper. But, we hit some over their heads too.”

Kelci Garcia got things started for the Trojans with a two-out, two-run single that scored Catie Armstrong and Amanda Gough in the first.

Armstrong scored on a double steal in the third, just ahead of Gough and Sam Bozak scoring on another two-run Garcia single.

Michigan City scored both of its runs in the fourth inning when Chesterton starter Jessica McClellan gave up a leadoff single. Back-to-back singles after a sacrifice bunt prompted Hopson to turn to freshman Taylor Harlow.

“Jessica struggled with velocity tonight,” Hopson said. “Taylor came in with different velocity and a different look. Our defense made the plays it had to as well.”

The Trojans blew the game open in the fifth inning by scoring six runs with two outs. Heather Overla singled and Paz reached on a fielder’s choice. Both scored on a double by Armstrong.

Gough singled and scored, along with Armstrong, on a Bozak single. Garcia reached on an error to score Bozak.

“Some of our base running could have been better,” Hopson said. “We ran into some double plays that we shouldn't have. Bottom line is that we beat a team that we should have and in a convincing manner.”

Chesterton put the final touches on the victory when Amy DeYoung, Overla and Paz singled to start the sixth inning. DeYoung and Overla scored on Armstrong’s single and Paz scored on a Gough single.

The Trojans pounded out 19 hits in the victory led by Armstrong’s 4-for-5 night with four RBI’s. Gough tallied three hits (2 RBI’s), while Garcia had two hits (5 RBI’s) and Bozak had two hits (2 RBI’s).

Other Trojans with two hits included Paz, Gross and Overla.

“We have LaPorte on Thursday,” Hopson said. “The first time we played them we didn't play defense well and hit everything right at them. We are playing much better defense now and are a lot more confident as hitters.”

Chesterton (10-5, 6-2) returns to the field on Thursday when they host LaPorte beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Chesterton 14, Michigan City 2

AT MICHIGAN CITY

SCORING BY INNINGS

Chesterton 203 063 – 14 19 1

Michigan City 000 200 – 2 6 4

2B – Catie Armstrong (C). Pitching Summary – Chesterton – Jessica McClellan (3 2/3 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 1 K), Taylor Harlow (2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 4 K). WP – McClellan. S – Harlow.

Posted 4/23/2008