Bottom of Watkins Memorial softball order flips opponents upside down
PATASKALA — Kyliee Trouten does not hang her head when she sees her name written at the bottom of the Watkins Memorial softball team’s batting order.
The Watkins junior center fielder has excelled in what is one of the Warriors’ most valuable spots in the lineup at No. 9. She had two RBI singles Tuesday in a 12-0 victory against visiting No. 19 Dublin Coffman in a Division I district semifinal.
“Usually people get mad about the No. 9 spot, but I like it,” said Trouten, who has scored 27 runs and whose on-base percentage sits at .500. “I get to bring it back to the top, and I do what I can to get everybody in. I just embrace it.”
The No. 1 Warriors (27-1) play No. 13 Olentangy Orange (16-7) for a district title at 5 p.m. Friday at Pickerington Central. The Pioneers beat Olentangy Berlin 5-2 on Tuesday.
The No. 9 spot is far from an afterthought for Watkins.
When this season’s postseason run ends, Jordyn Wycuff will go down as arguably the best hitter in program history. She hit No. 9 throughout her freshman season.
“It’s my favorite spot in the order,” Watkins coach Mike Jellison said. “Kyliee just embraces it. She is going to see good pitches. If she gets on base, she uses her speed, and we have three or four kids who can rake right behind her. She sets the table for us.”
Trouten had company producing at the bottom of the order against Coffman (15-12). Junior Carlie Taggart hit a sacrifice fly and an RBI double out of the No. 7 spot, and classmate Grace Whitman drove in a run with a squeeze bunt behind her.
“I am so happy to be able to get regular at-bats, and it is so important for the bottom of the lineup to be able to hit to bring it back to the top of the lineup and keep the game going,” said Taggart, who has hit three home runs this season. “It’s definitely pressure (hitting with runners on base), but it’s something we embrace.”
Watkins, which was ranked No. 2 in the final Ohio High School Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association poll, still has its ace in its hand. Senior Carsyn Cassady struck out 12 in a five-inning no-hitter, cruising after a hit batter and walk in the top of the first inning produced her only jam of the night.
Kendal Tellings’ single started a three-run second inning, which included the first RBIs for Taggart and Trouten. It was capped by an RBI single for sophomore Alli Langwasser from the leadoff spot.
“My confidence has been so much better,” Trouten said. “I have been hitting really well, and I am doing better for my team.”
Wycuff, who had a team-high three hits, delivered an RBI single during an eight-run onslaught in the third inning before junior Maleya Thompson homered to left. Thompson, senior Cortney Dobbs and Tellings had two hits each through the heart of the order.
“This was kind of bittersweet for (the seniors) to be playing on this field for the last time, but it was sweet we got the win,” Taggart said.
Watkins is in search of its fourth consecutive district championship. The Warriors also have won three consecutive regional championships.
“Our energy isn’t matched by any other teams,” Trouten said. “Our energy is probably the best. That’s what keeps us going for sure.”
740-973-4541
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Bottom of Watkins Memorial softball order flips opponents upside down
