Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PORTSMOUTH — Pitching plus hitting plus defense is the equation that equals a win.

Ironton got all three facets of the game as the Lady Fighting Tigers beat the Portsmouth Lady Trojans 8-2 on Tuesday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Kylee Metzger fired a four-hitter and Ironton collected nine hits to get the win. Metzger struck out nine, walked just one and hit a batter in going the distance.

“Kylee Metzger is really doing well on the mound and Kenzie Cremeens is quite the hustler in the catcher’s position,” said Ironton coach Missy Fields.

“Those two are learning each other and I think they will both get better each game.”

Breanna Klaiber kept her hot batting going as she went 2-for-4 with a triple while Metzger was 2-4 and Ariel Whitt had a double to lead the offense.

Taylr Monk, Aley Carmon, Kylie Barcus, Ariel Whitt and Katie Burcham all had hits for the Lady Tigers.

“These girls are excited to lay ball and they are fun to watch. We have adjusted many things in the batting cage and the changes are paying off,” said Fields.

“Several of the girls worked hard to get in shape during the off-season and they are reaping the benefits thus far.”

Ironton snapped a scoreless tie with five runs in the third inning.

Portsmouth got a run in the third but the Lady Tigers got the run back in the fourth to lead 6-1 and added two insurance runs in the seventh.

“Bre Klaiber and Aley Carmon are playing great defense on the left side and making some great plays,” said Fields.

“We are taking the season game-by-game and encouraging the girls to have no regrets. I am really looking forward to a great year.”

Ironton beat Green on Monday as Metzger got the win and Brooke Elswick the save. Both pitchers had four strikeouts. Klaiber went 4-4 as Ironton had 19 hits.

The Lady Tigers host South Point on Wednesday and visit Rock Hill on Firday in a pair of OVC games.

Ironton will host Fairview, Ky., in an 11 a.m. doubledheader on Saturday.

Ironton 005 100 2 = 8 9 2

Portsmouth 001 000 1 = 2 4 3

Kylee Metzger and McKenzie Cremeens. Andi Queen and Bailey Horsley. W-Metzger (K-9, BB-1, HBP-1). L-Queen. Hitting–Ironton: Taylor Monk 1-4, Breanna Klaiber 2-4 3B, Aley Carmon 1-4, Kylee Metzger 2-4, Kylie Barcus 1-4, Ariel Whitt 1-4 2B, Katie Burcham 1-3; Portsmouth: Bradley 2-4, Gullett 2-3.

———

Vs. Green

Ironton hitting: Taylor Monk 1-2, McKenzie Cremeens 2-4, Breanna Klaiber 4-5, Aley Carmon 2-3, Kylie Barcus 1-2, Kaylin Easterling 1-2, Ariel Whitt 2-3, Rylie Vaughn 1-2, Katie Burcham 1-2, Mariah Cooke 1-2, Sarah Wright 2-2, Erica Collinsworth 1-3.

WP–Kylee Metzger. Save–Brooke Elswick.