Bakersfield blanks opponents to win tourney

Bakersfield hosted its annual Lady Lions Invitational Saturday, with Bakersfield winning the tournament by shutting out opponents, Alton 12-0, Springfield Hillcrest 4-0, and Dora 4-0.
Bakersfield run-ruled Alton 12-0 with Whitney Graham getting the victory on the mound (one hit in three innings) while Bakersfield had eight hits led by Mikayla Durham's two singles and three RBIs.

In the semifinal, Bakersfield took on Springfield Hillcrest and came away with a 4-0 victory behind the pitching of Emma French. French struck out 14 and gave up two hits while having two hits and driving in two runs. Kody Smith scored three runs for the Bakersfield, reaching base on two singles and a walk. Mikayla Durham added three singles and an RBI for Bakersfield.

In the finals, Bakersfield took on Dora, and French again pitched a complete game striking out 11 and giving up two hits. French had an RBI single, driving in Oakley Dihel who had two hits for Bakersfield. Durham added a single with an RBI for the Lady Lions who improved to 13-1 on the season.
"Our pitchers pitched three great games," said Bakersfield coach Doyne Byrd. "But we had some great defensive plays behind both of them. We only had one error on the day so it was a solid weekend for us."

In other action on the day, Dora beat Thayer 9-8, then Mtn. View Liberty to get to the finals.
Hillcrest Defeated Lacquey in the first round, then beat Mtn. View for 3rd.
Mtn.View Beat Koshkonong then lost to Dora and Hillcrest.
Koshkonong beat Alton in the 8th place game.
Alton lost to Lacquey and Kosh in the consolation bracket.
Thayer won the consolation by beating Lacquey.

<p>Bakersfield's Emma French pitches in this Times file photo.
French was the winning pitcher during Bakersfield's trio of games
at the annual Lady Lions Invitational Tournament over the weekend.
Bakersfield won first place and is now 13-1 on the year.</p>