Lakeland Softball Dominates Milford in Doubleheader Sweep

The Lakeland softball team may not have its number one pitcher for the next couple of weeks. But with the way the Eagles are hitting and picking the ball, it doesn’t seem to matter.

Lakeland pummeled Milford in a doubleheader Monday, winning games 10-0 and 11-1, each in a five-inning mercy. The Eagles (19-4) were just too powerful at the plate and in the field, finishing with 14 hits in the nightcap after several Maverick errors opened the doors for an offensive explosion in the opener.

Selena Hicks improved to 9-1 on the mound for the Eagles, winning both games in dominating fashion, allowing just six combined hits. Lakeland’s top pitcher is Michelle Stiltner, who has a pulled bicep and is expected to return in around 10-14 days, according to Lakeland head coach Joe Alsup.

“Right now we’re on a roll and with the way we’re hitting the ball and fielding we’re pretty tough to beat,” Alsup said. “I’ve never had a better offensive team than what we have right now.”

That offense was on display in both games on Monday against the struggling Mavericks. Mary Armstrong had a triple and two RBIs in the opener and both Morgan Craft and Kelly Merkle had RBI singles.

Lakeland scored five runs early and took control as both Kelsey Johnson and Kelsey Cleary hit the ball hard and reached base on hits or errors. Cleary is hitting a remarkable .547 on the season.

Milford threatened to take an early lead in the first inning of the second game, putting runners on second and third with one out. But Hicks reared back and struck out Milford’s fourth and fifth hitters with high fastballs to end the threat. Soon thereafter the rout was on.

Perhaps the better test for Lakeland was the Fred Piper Tournament in Royal Oak this weekend, a tournament won by the Eagles. Lakeland played what Alsup characterized as “flawless” softball beating state-ranked Pinconning 7-2 and Utica Eisenhower 12-5 in the tournament semifinals. The Eagles then shut out perennial state power Warren Regina 3-0 for the title.

What Lakeland is doing much better now than earlier in the season is preventing runs. Alsup made some defensive moves a few weeks back that have paid dividends, particularly following a lopsided loss to Romeo.

“There was a short period at the start of the year where we were giving up way too many runs and even if you’re hitting the ball well when you give up that may runs you’re not doing well,” Alsup said. “We have the offense because we are averaging about 12 hits per game but you can’t be giving up a bunch of runs.”

Jessica McNabb has played well offensively and defensively and is driving the ball well, hitting over .400 on the season. She is likely going to be in the starting lineup the rest of the year. Merkle has performed well at third base and is also batting over .400. Craft has not yet committed an error at second base and Devon Olah has solidified the starting shortstop position.

“(Olah) has been great for us and since we made those changes she has really made a big difference,” Alsup said. Olah also had 2 RBIs in the opener on Monday. “From top to bottom we have a great lineup and now we have stability on defense. And when we get (Stiltner) back we’ll be even better.”

At this point Alsup is about as confident with his squad as he has been for some time. Ultimately he hopes that Lakeland can extend its string of six consecutive district and regional titles.

“I can say that I think if we don’t keep those streaks going it won’t be because we’re not playing well,” Alsup said. “It’s going to be a good team that will have to beat us.”­