Meanwhile, the Knoxville softball team lost their first game of the year 5-0 to Davis County. The Panthers were held to five hits and struck out 15 times against Davis County pitching. Ciara Heffron took the loss, allowing three runs in 2 2/3 innings. Ashlyn Finarty pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings of relief, striking out three.
Knoxville baseball improved to 6-0 overall and 2-0 in conference. They next visit 4A No. 10 Indianola tonight. Knoxville softball dropped to 1-1 overall and 0-1 in conference. They host Newton today. Both games will air on 94.3 and 95.3 KNIA radio beginning at 7 p.m.
Strong pitching and early offense fueled Knoxville baseball’s doubleheader sweep. Davis County struggled against Leisure and had no answer for the Panthers’ bats in Game 2. The loss dropped Davis County to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in conference.
For Knoxville softball, inconsistent offense and strikeouts ultimately doomed them against a tough Davis County pitching staff. But Finarty’s relief outing shows promise for the Panthers going forward. Davis County improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the conference.
Conference openers set the tone for the season. By sweeping Davis County, Knoxville baseball grabbed early control of the conference race. But Knoxville softball will look to rebound and avoid falling behind in the standings. Their matchup today against Newton now takes on added importance.
