Morris leads the way in league-opening series sweep

By barstoolfanatics on April 1, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

File photos – Eureka’s Kira Morris

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.

File photo – Zia Gee

File photo – Tahlyia Curtice

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.