CORAL SHORES SOFTBALL TOPS MARATHON Fins smash four homers against HEA

On April 4, Marathon traveled to Tavernier to take on Coral Shores in the final intra-Keys softball matchup of the season. The Hurricanes dug deep and found themselves on the winning side of the game, topping the Fins 8-6 to earn their fourth win of the season. The ’Canes logged four hits in the game, including a double from pitcher Kailee Reinoso and singles from Ivy Tiedemann, Alondra Apolinario Beras and Sofia Sgroi. Reinoso struck out six, walking just two in a solid performance in the circle.

The Hurricane defense did a superb job holding Marathon on base, keeping them from crossing the plate despite nine hits. Registering hits for the Lady Fins were Alba Rodriguez and Maeve Merryman with two each and one each from Ryleigh Garcia, Sara Robinson, Daniela Gonzalez, Madelyn Thornton and Sage Brown. Allison Garcia faced 31 batters, striking out eight, but errors cost the Fins while the ’Canes patiently held on for the win.

Marathon regrouped after the loss to Coral Shores and put on a spectacular performance against Hialeah Educational Academy, destroying the Bulldogs 20-0 over just three innings to bring their record to 6-3. Allison Garcia was near-perfect for the Fins, striking out seven of 10 batters faced and walking just one in the no-hitter. Garcia then went on the offensive, hitting a double and a home run. Her eighthgrade sister Ryleigh slammed a triple and a double while Elena Eubank had four RBIs and three hits, including a home run and a triple. Sara Robinson had a base hit and a triple, and Madelyn Thornton had two hits, both home runs.

In southernmost softball, the Lady Conchs added two wins last week, bringing their already-impressive record to 12-3. Key West poured on 13 hits at Keys Gate on April 5, beating the Knights 13-1. A seven-run fourth inning helped Key West

Madelyn Thornton hit two home runs for Marathon against Hialeah Educational Academy on April 6. BARRY GAUKEL/Keys Weekly return home a little early in the mercy-rule victory. Miesha Hernandez and Dharma Murray led the hitting for the Conchs with three each. Scarlet Niles added two hits and Caroline Smith, Alexandra Rodriguez, Madelyn Perusse, Ty Cervantes and Nevaeh Arnold all logged hits as well. Arnold was the winning pitcher for Key West in both the Keys Gate game and two days later against S.L.A.M.

In the home victory on April 7, Niles had the hot bat with three hits. Smith and Cervantes each had two, with one of Cervantes’ being a home run. Perusse and Hernandez added one apiece, making nine hits for the Conchs in the 14-6 win. Key West has just three more regular season games before districts begin the first week of May.