It sounded more like a thunder storm in the first inning of Esko's home game against Two Harbors on Monday night. Why? Because the Eskomos got back-to-back home runs from Sami Mattson and Stacie Miller to set the tone in their 15-0 win.
"I was very happy with the team effort," said Esko coach Brad Emanuel. "The top of our order was very good. Along with the top, we also got some key at-bats from every one of the other girls."
The top of the lineup features Lacey Joslin, Erin Emanuel, Mattson and Miller. Joslin and Emanuel are the table setters and Mattson and Miller provided the thunder.
Esko recently returned from a spring trip to Florida where the team performed very well in preparation for the upcoming season.
"I think you could see the effects of our spring trip from the get-go," Emanuel commented. "Getting the reps we got in Florida can only make us better."
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While the Eskomos were pounding out hits against the Agates, it was up to Kayla Jenkins to shut the door.
"I thought Kayla struggled a bit with her command," explained Emanuel. "She is very accurate with her spots, but she had trouble getting the ball down in the zone. She fought it, but good pitchers find a way to get by without their best stuff."
Despite not having her best stuff, Jenkins was impressive with a two-hit, eight-strikeout performance.
Offensively, Joslin, Emanuel, Miller and Mattson all had three hits with Miller and Mattson hitting home runs.
Mattson's first inning homer was a three-run shot and that was followed in the second inning with a bases-loaded single to score to runs.
"As a coach, this is a good starting point to build off of, but we still have things to work on and improve," mentioned Emanuel. "As we go I will continue adding things to make this team a complete team. The girls are starting to buy into the TEAM concept that no one player will get us to our goal, it has to be everyone."
The Eskomos are 1-0 on the season.
Pine Journal sports reporter Kerry Rodd can be contacted at: kdrodd@aol.com .
