Opening day a win for Eagles softball

By Bruce Wallace
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:03 AM CDT

During their season opener, at least one of the Southern Boone Eagles was in mid-season form.

SoBoCo pitcher Julian Austin struck out 17 New Bloomfield batters and the Eagles got a 3-run fifth inning double from center fielder Erin Barner to win their first game 4-0.

"I thought I had pretty good stuff today," Austin said. "I have added a 'riser' to my pitches and it was working well."

Austin gave up one hit in the seventh inning - a bloop popup that fell just out of reach of leaping second baseman Kelby Wheeler - and had no walk. She completely dominated the Wildcats, striking out the side in each of the first five innings.

Austin was quick to give credit for her near no-hit performance to freshmen catcher K.K. Heuer.

"K.K. called a great game today," Austin said. "I have developed a lot of confidence in her and she really helped me a lot today."

New Bloomfield pitcher Megan Cockrum kept the Eagles off the scoreboard for the first four innings before the Eagles broke out on top.

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