Middle School Softball: HMS stays hot wtih pair of wins

After a second place finish over the weekend at the Marion Junior High softball tournament, Harrisburg Middle has rattled off two straight to start the week.

HMS knocked off Herrin 11-1 Monday and disposed of Carterville 13-4 Tuesday evening.

In the win against Carterville, Lydia Miller went the distance, striking out eight and giving up five hits.

Offensively, Harrisburg was paced by Lexi Williams and Miller, who each belted four hits on the day. Essence Sanders and Makayla Payne each tacked on three hits, while Mya King and Kerrigan Payne each had one hit.

Harrisburg 11, Herrin 1

At the plate, Hayley Sullivan, Williams, Miller and Payne all had two hits, while Sanders, King, Payne and Riley Wright all finished with one hit.

Miller picked up the win in the circle as she went five innings, allowing four hits, while striking out four and walking two.

"I'm very proud of how we have started the season," Harrisburg head coach Jake Stewart said. "We have been above average defensively and our hitting has been better the last few ball games."

HMS is now 7-1 on the season and 2-0 in conference play and will play at Galatia Thursday.