A pair of two-run homers in the first two innings propelled Augusta to an early four-run lead and the Orioles cruised to an 11-5 win over McPherson in the 4A Division I state softball championship game Saturday in Salina.
This is Augusta’s first softball state championship since 2006 and third overall.
Augusta catcher Casady Marlnee, who will play softball at West Texas A&M next year and shortstop Morgan Kirk were responsible for the home runs and early momentum in the big game. Hitting a home run for Marlnee is not unexpected, but this was Kirk’s only round-tripper for the season.
Megan Hayes was the winning pitcher for Augusta, holding McPherson scoreless through the first three innings and surviving a late rally from the Bullpups, who scored one in the fourth, two in the fifth, and two in the seventh.
The game was never in doubt as Augusta generated runs early and often scoring two or more runs in each of the first four innings. Augusta lost to De Soto in last year’s 4A state championship game. With seven of nine players returning this year, the Orioles had a goal of getting back to the state championship game and winning it this year.
