The Ludington Orioles ran into a red-hot Hart lineup Thursday, falling in a doubleheader 16-3 and 18-9 as the Pirates combined clutch hitting with relentless pressure on the basepaths.
Hart’s offense was fueled by a standout performance from Reese Smith, who drove in four runs on two hits in the second game. Smith delivered in key moments, including a bases-clearing single in the second inning and another RBI hit in the third to help Hart seize control.
The nightcap featured a wild momentum swing early. Ludington erupted for seven runs in the second inning to take a 9-5 lead, despite collecting just two hits in the frame. Jacee Cole delivered a key two-run groundout, while the Orioles capitalized on walks and aggressive baserunning.
However, Hart answered immediately. The Pirates tied the game in the bottom of the second and broke it open in the third, scoring five runs to take a 14-9 lead they would not relinquish. Hart finished the game with 15 hits, compared to just two for Ludington.
Maria Rodriguez led Hart at the plate, going 3-for-4 from the No. 8 spot in the lineup. Elyssa Tanis, Caydence Bateson, and Makenna Carrier each added multiple hits, helping fuel the offensive surge.
Hart also dominated on the basepaths, swiping nine bases in the game. Bateson and Carrier each recorded multiple stolen bases as the Pirates consistently turned singles and walks into scoring opportunities.
Despite the loss, Ludington showed discipline at the plate, drawing eight walks. Madison VanSickle drove in two runs and went 1-for-3, while Eva Flores added the team’s other hit. The Orioles matched Hart’s aggressiveness on the bases with eight stolen bases of their own, led by Kaelyn Cole, Madelyn Kenyon, and Annika Heemstra.
In the opener, Hart wasted no time setting the tone. The Pirates scored early and often, taking advantage of walks, hit batters, and defensive miscues to build a commanding lead. They finished the game with 17 stolen bases, repeatedly putting pressure on Ludington’s defense.
Smith again led the charge, collecting two hits and driving in runs, while Hart worked five walks as a team and capitalized on multiple errors. Ludington was held hitless in game one but still managed to score three runs. Jacee Cole scored twice after reaching base via a walk and an error, and Taylor King added another run after drawing a walk. Ludington head coach Sierra Holmes credited Hart’s all-around performance.
“First and foremost, we have to give a lot of credit to Hart,” Holmes said. “They hit the ball well tonight, and they have great team speed. They put a lot of pressure on us. Their pitchers kept our bats pretty quiet, and they just played better than we did overall. They deserved to win.”
Holmes noted that cleaning up defensive mistakes and being more aggressive at the plate will be key moving forward.
Other Local Softball Results
- Traverse City West 20, Ludington 0
- Traverse City West 18, Ludington 4
- Kingsley 4, Mason County Central 1
- Kingsley 8, Mason County Central 1
- Hart 10, Morley Stanwood 7 (6 innings)
- Hart 6, Morley Stanwood 3
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