Behind the pitching efforts of Freshman Jenna Richardson, the Lady Jackets defeated Waxahachie last night 10-0 in six innings.

The Lady Jackets scored two runs in the first inning after shortstop Janaye Richardson sacrificed to center field scoring Sam Olesak, who had reached on a throwing error by Waxahachie’s third baseman, Ashley Gonzalez, and Katie Cowan, who singled.

Freshman Jenna Richardson shut down the Waxhachie Lady Indians Tuesday night. The right-hander allowed only one hit while striking out four. Photo by David Beans Studio

Jenna Richardson gave up one hit and struck out four.

“Jenna did a great job keeping the ball low and hitting her locations,” Coach Teri Rabe said. “She only allowed one hit and struck out four.”

In the third inning, the Lady Jackets jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Katie Cowan led off the inning with a double off Waxahachie pitcher Kate Parker. Chelsey Jordan walked and an error by Gonzalez allowed Janaye Richardson to reach first safely loading the bases for catcher Kala Taylor. After fouling off three pitches, Taylor hit deep into left field clearing the bases. The hit was the first in-the-park homerun for Taylor. Center fielder Terrin Glenn and left fielder Amberly Waits each singled to add another run.

“It was pretty awesome and kind of funny, when you consider how slow I run,” Taylor said. “You would think I would be the last person to score an in-the-park homerun.”

The Lady Jackets tacked on three more runs in the bottom of the sixth, ending the game on the 10-run mercy rule. Glenn and first baseman Shellie Fowler each singled during the inning.

“The highlight of the game was Kala Taylor’s hit down the third baseline turning into a in-the-park homerun and putting four runs on the board,” Rabe said.