Kenton Softball falls to Hardin Northern 11 – 9

Despite leading by as many as six runs, Kenton Varsity Wildcats fell to Hardin Northern 11-9 on Wednesday.

Kenton Varsity Wildcats collected 12 hits and Hardin Northern had seven in the high-scoring affair.

Kenton got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Brayla Butler scored after tagging up, and Alexis Ratliff singled to center field, each scoring one run. A triple by Macee Heckathorn extended the Wildcats lead to 4-1 in the bottom of the second inning.

The Wildcats added to their early lead in the bottom of the third inning after Lyla Gammon singled down the right field line, Butler singled down the right field line, and Emori Criner grounded out, each scoring one run.

Hardin Northern tied the game in the top of the sixth thanks to a single by Morgan Stewart, a double by Bailey Bacon, an error, and a ground out by Cat Overs. Hardin Northern took the lead in the top of the eighth inning after Heidi Trachsel doubled to left field, Kenton Varsity Wildcats committed an error, and Miley Seabrook grounded out, each scoring one run.

Kenton Varsity Wildcats scored one run in the bottom of the eighth on a solo home run to right field by Riley Totten on a full count.

Ratliff began the game for the Wildcats. The right-handed pitcher gave up four hits and six runs (three earned) over six innings, striking out three and walking five. Stewart started the game for Hardin Northern. The hurler gave up 12 hits and nine runs over eight innings, striking out nine and walking three.

Kenton Varsity Wildcats piled up 12 hits in the game. Heckathorn drove the middle of the lineup, leading Kenton Varsity Wildcats with three runs batted in. The catcher went 1-for-5 on the day. Leadoff hitter Butler led Kenton Varsity Wildcats with four hits in five at bats. Totten, Criner, and Ratliff each collected multiple hits for Kenton Varsity Wildcats. Totten, Criner, and Ratliff each stole multiple bases for Kenton Varsity Wildcats. The Kenton Wildcats ran wild on the base paths, collecting 13 stolen bases for the game.

Kenton Varsity Wildcats welcome Shawnee on Friday for their next game.