By By BRUCE HIXON Sports Editor
Teams that struggle at the plate have virtually no room for error.
The Jefferson Davis Community College Lady Warhawks softball teams did not make many mistakes in their twinbill against visiting Jefferson State Sunday, but those few mistakes cost JDCC both ends by scores of 2-0 and 3-0.
"It's a simple fact you can't win if you don't score. Our pitchers, Leslie Presley and Kelly Stewart, both did a great job and our defense was a lot better. Because we're not hitting, we have virtually no margin for error," JDCC coach Misti Nims said.
The Lady Warhawks were shut down by contrasting methods. In the opener, Jefferson State hurler Jennifer McClure struck out 13 JDCC batters and allowed just three hits. Eight of those 13 strikeouts came from the heart of the batting order (four-five-six positions).
JDCC's offense was limited to a first inning single by Lashundra Clausell, a third inning single by Missy Gamewell and a fifth inning single by Kara Mattraw.
JDCC pitcher Leslie Presley was also effective. Presley allowed only six hits and had a shutout going into the fifth inning.
Jefferson State scratched out its first run through a single, two infield groundouts and a passed ball.
Its second run came in the sixth inning through a walk, two infield groundouts and an RBI single.
In game two, JDCC reduced its strikeout total from 13 to four and doubled its hit total from three to six against Jefferson State hurler Erika Wikholm.
The visitors took advantage of three walks and an RBI fielder's choice to score a run in the top of the first inning against JDCC hurler Kelly Stewart.
That was the only run Stewart, who also only gave up six hits, allowed until the sixth inning when Jefferson State picked up two insurance markers. In that frame, a double, two singles and a key throwing error provided the runs.
JDCC got a pair of singles from Gamewell and Jo Pearson. Brooke DeFrancisco and Katie Lambert also had a single.
JDCC (0-6) hosts Chipola today for a 1 p.m. twinbill. JDCC is also home Friday for a 1 p.m. twinbill against Pensacola.
Game one
Jefferson State 000 011 0 – 2 6 1
JDCC 000 000 0 – 0 3 0
Game two
Jefferson State 100 002 0 – 3 6 0
JDCC 000 000 0 – 0 6 3