Andy Villamarzo, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
TRINITY — Sunlake's season-opening 11-1 loss to Pasco made some believe the Seahawks were the same squad from last season that went 15-10.
Six games later and couple big wins over Citrus and Hernando, the Seahawks are rolling and another example was Wednesday night as Sunlake routed Mitchell 10-0.
"All-around great hits, good defense and Tyler (Riendeau) did an excellent job pitching," Sunlake coach Jami Finan said. "This team with a lead usually keeps going with it. I think the motivation and teamwork is really going strong. They worked really hard going into this game.
"It's a big win for the girls. They were nervous and now excited to come away with this one."
The Mustangs (6-2), who are among one of the top teams on the North Suncoast, could not find a way to score as they stranded 10 runners despite several opportunities.
Sunlake (7-1) took a 2-0 lead after junior Courtney Durbin singled home Chloe Fletcher and Alex Rogers from third and first base, respectively. Durbin would score later in the inning off an error to give the Seahawks a 3-0 cushion.
In the top of the fifth the floodgates opened on Mitchell as pitcher Cori Williams (nine strikeouts) got touched for three runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and three in the seventh.
Riendeau pitched a solid game, allowing eight hits and striking out four.