Beech Tree News Network

MORGANTOWN — Butler County dropped its season opener as visiting Madisonville-North Hopkins pulled away to win 13-5 on Thursday, March 16. 

Pitching out of a relief role, Madisonville-North Hopkins hurler Mackenzie Stoltz earned the win in the circle. Stoltz pitched four scoreless innings, giving up two hits and four walks while recording five strikeouts. 

Sydney Skeen started in the circle for Madisonville-North Hopkins. Skeen pitched three innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and two walks. 

Avery Gleason started in the circle for Butler County and suffered the pitching loss. Gleason pitched five and one-third innings, recording one strikeout. 

Pitching out of a relief role for Butler County, Tinslea Belcher closed out the game in the circle. 

Brenna Sherman led Madisonville-North Hopkins at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with two home runs and four RBIs.

Along with Sherman's leading performance, Stoltz (two hits, one RBI), Skeen (one hit), Kaydence Seargant (two hits, two RBIs), Addy Prow (two hits, two RBIs), Jaycee Noffsinger (two hits, two RBIs), Chloe Young (two hits), Zoe Davis (one hit, two RBIs) and Kennedy Justice (one hit) produced offensively for the Lady Maroons. 

Butler County scored five runs on nine hits. Madison Clark led Butler County at the plate, finishing 2-for-3 with four RBIs, one home run and one double. 

In addition to Clark, Butler County's offensive attack included Belcher (two hits), Parker Willoughby (two hits), Cheani Schroeder (one hit), Carley Jones (one hit) and Karrington Hunt (one hit). 

Supplying another extra base hit for Butler County, Belcher doubled in the setback.

Coach Amy Robbins

Butler County is scheduled to visit Logan County on Friday, March 17. First pitch for the Butler County-Logan County softball game is set for 5:30 p.m.