Submitted photo – Freshman Sophia Castillo in action for the Fortuna Huskies against Eureka on Saturday.

The Huskies carried their impressive early-season form into Saturday’s Big 5 openers, sweeping a doubleheader against Eureka at Fortuna High.

The home team took game one 12-1 in five innings and won game two 15-7, improving to 2-0 in conference and 10-1 overall.

There was little to separate the teams early in the opener, but the home team would score eight runs in the bottom of the fourth inning on the way to ending the game early.

Standout senior Myra Hayes pitched 4.2 innings for the win in the circle, giving up just one earned run on six hits and four walks and striking out five.

The Fortuna bats scored their 12 runs on just three hits, but they were able to take advantage of 12 walks, including three by freshman Bryce Sanderson.

Sophomore Evalynn Little led the way at the plate and finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs, while impressive junior Hailee Thompson added a triple.

The Huskies scored four of their runs on wild pitches and continually put the ball in play.

Game two was more competitive as the two teams combined for 22 hits, including 13 by Fortuna.

Eureka led 3-0 early and did not trail until the bottom of the fourth, as the Huskies began to chip into the deficit, racking up scores in five of the six innings they went to bat.

But the Loggers pushed them all the way.

“This is the first time since we played Cloverdale (on March 15) where we had to battle the entire game,” Fortuna head coach Eric Helms said. “The Loggers gave us the type of game that we need to win if we’re going to challenge Del Norte and McKinleyville (for the Big 5 championship).  

“This was a very competitive game and we were fortunate to push through to the final inning.”

Addie Collenberg got the start in the circle for the home team and pitched well, allowing eight hits and striking out four, with senior Mariah Bravo getting the victory in relief.

Bravo gave up one hit in two innings work, allowing three walks and striking out three.

The game was tied 5-5 going into the bottom of the fifth inning.

Hayes led the Huskies at the plate and was 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while Bravo, Little and freshman Sophia Castillo each had two hits.

Bravo was 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBIs, while Castillo finished 2-for-3 and Little was 2-for-5.

Bravo has now hit five home runs this season. 

Thompson added a double, with teammates Jaylynn Jacobs, Sephora Machado and Faith Helms each also had a base hit.

The win was the sixth straight for the Huskies.

No stats were immediately available for the Loggers, who dropped to 0-2 in conference and 0-6-1 on the season.