PORTSMOUTH — Don’t let the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers get warmed up.

Ironton struggled early with its offense but got going and beat the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 9-5 Wednesday in a Southeastern Ohio Athletic League game.

“We were slow getting our bats started tonight as their pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts. We just don’t have our timing down,” said Ironton coach Missy Fields.

“This was our first game with only four outside practices because of the weather. I am pleased with thee ffort of the team tonight. The defense played very well giving up only two errors.”

Ironton had nine hits to back the pitching of Kylie Summer

Janie Morris was 2-4 with a triple and Edi Taylor went 2-4. Karlie Collins was 1-3 with a double while Emily Lilly, Mercedes Crockrel, Nikki Elswick and Brea Tackett all singled.

Ironton hosts Gallipolis Thursday at Dow Chemical field.

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Heather Drake, Jordan Howell (3) and Taylor Cooper. Kylie Summer and Edi Taylor. W-Summer. L-Drake. 2B-Ironton: Karlie Collins. 3B-Ironton: Janie Morris. Hitting-Portsmouth: Taylor Cooper 2-4, Sarah Kendall 1-4, Sidney Allen 1-3, Brady 1-2, Jordan Howell 1-3. Ironton: Brea Tackett 1-4, Emily Lilly 1-3, Nikki Elswick 1-3, Edi Taylor 2-4, Janie Morris 2-4, Karlie Collins 1-3, Mercedes Crockrel 1-3.