Eureka’s Kira Morris was expected to be the most dangerous player in Big 5 softball this spring and she’s more than living up to the billing.
The senior standout was outstanding once again on Saturday and led Eureka to a doubleheader sweep over Arcata at Washington Elementary.
The Loggers won game one 11-0 in five innings and followed that with a 9-0 win in game two, as they improved to 3-0 in the Big 5 and 6-3 overall.
Morris pitched a pair of one-hitters and struck out 19 Arcata batters in 12 innings, while also finishing 5-for-7 at the plate over both games.
For good measure she also hit her second home run of this week’s three-game series, a three-run blast in the opener, as well as a triple.
“Kira is really doing it all for us,” head coach Robin Johnson said. “Pitching, hitting and base running.”
Mallorie Beauchamp also continued her impressive start to the season and was 4-for-4 in game one, while teammate Maeghan Hampton impressed in both games and went 5-for-8 on the day.
“We did a lot better today than we have been,” Johnson said. “I felt our defense really picked up. They had Kira’s back and she had their back. It was a good overall win.”
The consistent Zia Gee also had a good day and hit successfully in both games, finishing 1-for-3 with a double in the opener and going 2-for-4 in game two.
Senior Taliyah Cooper also was 1-for-4 with a double in game two.
The Loggers opened the series with an 8-5 win at Arcata on Wednesday.
Morris again was instrumental in that victory and finished 4-for-4 with a home run and three doubles, including a pair of doubles off the outfield fence.
The senior also had nine strikeouts in that game and allowed just four hits.
The Tigers will be glad not to have to face her again in league play, and for the series she finished 9-for-11 with two home runs, a triple and four doubles, while striking out 28 and allowing just six hits.
Also on Wednesday, Eureka’s Gee went 2-for-4 and Tahlyia Curtice went 1-for-4.
No stats from Saturday’s games were immediately available for Arcata, which dropped to 0-6 on the season and 0-3 in league.
Next up, the Loggers open a key three-game series against McKinleyville (2-0 in the Big 5) that could go a long way toward deciding this year’s league title.
Game one is at McKinleyville on Wednesday.
The Tigers have a bye in league next week.
