Softball: Rock Island sweeps, remains unbeaten in WB6

The Rock Island softball team stayed in the Western Big Six Conference race by sweeping United Township Saturday, winning 1-0 and 2-0 behind Ayla Serrano’s pitching.

Rock Island’s Christina Beam scored the only run of the first game on a passed ball.

Serrano and UT pitcher Alison DeVilder took advantage of the cold, windy weather by pitching well through the opening game. DeVilder allowed four hits, walked four, and struck out seven in the loss, while Serrano gave up three hits, walked two, and struck out 11.

“We knew hitting was going to be tough, but we battled and scored enough to win,” Rock Island coach Steve Ebner said.

The Rocks (10-8, 5-1) got off to a fast start in the second game, scoring a run in each of the first two innings. Serrano made the runs stand up by holding the Panthers hitless. She also walked two and struck out eight.

The Panthers’ best chance to score was in the second inning, when Haylee Krack walked to lead off the inning. But the Panthers stranded her on second to end the threat.

“Ayla pitched really well today, she kept the ball down and stayed out of trouble,” Ebner said. “Now we control our own destiny in the conference, with no one better than one loss.”