The Natchez Democrat

It took just one hit from Warren Central’s Sarah Johnson to take the wind out of Natchez High’s sails Thursday night. Johnson’s inside-the-park home run scored the Lady Vikes’ first two runs, giving Warren an early lead they wouldn’t surrender for the rest of the game.

The Lady Vikes cruised to an 8-2 victory over Natchez on the strength of a six-run second inning and solid defense in the latter innings.

&uot;We were fortunate early in the game that we hit the ball real well. One thing I was disappointed in was that our hitting dropped off in the fourth, fifth, sixth innings,&uot; Young said.

The Lady Vikes’ offense did sputter in the latter innings, though part of that was due to the improved defense from Natchez, including a spectacular jumping catch of a line drive in the fifth inning by Natchez shortstop Chelsea Hall.

Natchez started the game with a three-hit first inning that saw pitcher Casey Champlin score on a Tracy Davis single. Davis reached base in each of her three plate appearances but could not score on any of them.

Second baseman Porshe Singleton had a chance to get Natchez back in the game in the sixth inning when she came up to bat with one out and the bases loaded, but she grounded into an inning-ending double play, effectively ending the Lady Bulldog’s chances.

The game gives Warren Central an early leg up in the district season.

&uot;Games with Natchez have a special importance, games with Vicksburg have a special importance in that it’s your ticket to the state playoffs,&uot; Young said. &uot;They’ll be coming to our place later in the season. I’m sure they’ll improve. Natchez always has a good, solid team.&uot;

Natchez again struggled on offense in what has become a common occurrence. After an early-season surge of power, the Natchez bats have gone quiet in recent games and runs have become increasingly difficult to obtain.

&uot;I don’t understand. The majority of our time is spent hitting. We’ll just keep on working on hitting, working on hitting,&uot; Williams said.

Injuries and a lack of experience have hurt the Lady Bulldogs, but Williams said he is still optimistic about his team’s chances this season.

&uot;I saw some improvement in some places,&uot; Williams said. &uot;We fielded better, once we got started. We caught the ball better.&uot;