Ansonia Softball gets 8-4 win over FM, looking to challenge for WOAC Title.

PITSBURG – Franklin Monroe and Ansonia were locked into a good battle in softball action that saw the Tigers jump ahead 2-0 then trail 4-2 but then rally late to capture an 8-4 win in Western Ohio Athletic Conference play.

Ansonia behind a good pitching performance from Abigail Kramer (7 innings, 9 strikeouts), led 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 5^th inning which would turn out to be a big one for the Jets.

Franklin Monroe would get a double from Layni Ressler (2 hits, 2 rbi, 1 run scored) to plate a run, then Jocelyn Gray was able to plate a run on a hard hit followed by a run scored on a wild pitch that propelled the Jets in front 4-2 heading into the top of the 6^th inning.

Ansonia responded in the top of the 6^th inning finally able to touch up Franklin Monroe pitcher Keihl Johnson who went the full 7 innings as well … but the Tigers put the bat on the ball putting pressure on the defense as they loaded up the bases.

A Maddie Buckingham (2 hits, 1 rbi, 1 run) single brought in a run and then the big hit came from Kinsey Hartzell who hit a solid line drive in the right center gap for a triple to drive in 3 more runs to put the Tigers back in front 8-4.

“I was proud of the girls, after we got down our girls stayed focused and knew what had to be done,” Jenkins said. “We had to get some runs and you try to create them the best you can, and I was hoping someone would hit that gap they had open out there and that’s what Kinsey was able to do,” Ansonia coach Floyd Jenkins said.

The Tigers would add 2 more runs in the top of the 7^th and Kramer would retire the side in order in the bottom of the 7^th to give the Tigers an 8-4 WOAC win.

Kramer picked up her 12^th win of the season and is tied with Arcanum Hannah Kendig for the most wins in the league.

The Tigers have won 7 of their last 9 games and move to 13-6 overall and currently is in 2^nd place at 8-1 in the conference a game behind undefeated Arcanum.

The Tigers and Trojans will have an opportunity to face one another next Thursday May 4^th in a game played at Arcanum.

“We have been very consistent and overall playing good softball, but we have a tough stretch of games coming up,” Jenkins stated.

They play Coldwater Friday night, Tri-County North May 2^nd, St. Henry May 3^rd and then at Arcanum April 4^that 5 pm, in what could decide the league title.

Franklin Monroe falls to 5-15 overall and 2-6 in the conference they will host Houston Friday and then Preble Shawnee Monday night.