Franklin’s softball team picked the perfect time to break free from a batting slump.
The Grizzly Cubs, led by sophomore shortstop Sydney Logsdon’s two doubles and two singles, defeated Edinburgh 13-3 in first-round action at the Johnson County Tournament on Friday.
Now 6-13 on the season, Franklin is back in action this morning for in a 10 a.m. semifinal against second-seeded Greenwood.
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The game will be played on the lower field at Center Grove. Meanwhile, Indian Creek (7-9) challenges the top-seeded and Class 4A No. 3 Trojans (17-3) on the upper field in what is also a 10 a.m. first pitch.
The championship game is 12:30 p.m. today on the upper field.
Franklin coach Lisa Whitlow-Hill watched her team pound out 17 base hits and benefit from seven Lancers errors.
“We have not hit very well all season, and I think we were just due to get going. Once we got going it just kind of snowballed,” Whitlow-Hill said. “(Logsdon) is an awesome all-around athlete.
“She hits the ball hard every time she’s up. Once she gets on base she puts pressure on the infielders by stealing bases.”
Logsdon produced three of Franklin’s runs. Other offensive stars were first baseman Baleigh Potter and third baseman Hannah Hartman each with a double and single.
Senior Shelby Taylor came through with three singles, while designated player Carly Wilmore added two singles.
Cubs sophomore pitcher Riley King went the distance, allowing six base hits and striking out nine.
“Riley’s struggled in some games, but she was hitting her spots today like no other. She really pitched outstanding,” Whitlow-Hill said.
Edinburgh led 3-1 through the first inning on the strength of a double from sophomore pitcher Maddi Clark and singles delivered by junior Bri Howard and senior Kayli Littiken.
The Grizzly Cubs countered with four runs in the top of the third frame to take the lead for good. Franklin plated three runs in both the sixth and seventh to put the game away.
Edinburgh coach Stephen Clark saw his squad fall to 9-7 this season.
“I think our defense struggled a little bit. We didn’t get some routine plays that we should have. Made some mistakes and gave them a lot of confidence,” Clark said. “You give them an extra 60 feet or an extra something for free and their confidence is going to soar.
“We’ve had a good season so far. We’ve been in every game that we’ve played in. Been very competitive. Tonight was just a compilation of the whole week. We were supposed to play games that get rained out. You’re stuck inside. I think it just kind of snowballed.”
Howard and Littiken both finished with two singles for Edinburgh.
