Softball: Howell picks up easy win in EJCHS debut

EAST JACKSON’S Brent Howell is one game into his head-coaching career but still hasn’t coached a full seven innings.

His Eagle softball team run-ruled Cedar Shoals 15-0 in just three innings Tuesday in a rather speedy debut as East Jackson (1-0) begins busy early-season slate.

“It was really good to get out there and get our first official game under our belts and start off with a win,” said Howell, who came to East Jackson via Banks County.

Playing at home, East Jackson blew the game open with 13 runs in the third inning to bring the game to its early end.

Ashlie Wuertley punctuated the evening with a grand slam in the third.

There were other highlights, of course. Kristin Whitlock went 2-for-3 with a walk, a stolen base and two runs scored. Brittany Nolan also went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI. Emily Turner doubled, drove home two runs and scored two runs.

Joining the hit parade were Kelsey Palette (hit, RBI, run), Beth Doss (hit, walk, run), Alx Wheeler (hit, walk, run), Lauren Sanders (hit, two runs) and Taylor Nix (hit, walk, RBI).

Every Eagle in the lineup had a hit as East Jackson finished with 11 hits.

Meanwhile, Nix took care of Cedar Shoals’ lineup, working three innings and facing one batter over the minimum. She surrendered no hits and one walk with six strikeouts.

“We know that the name of the game is pitching,” Howell said. “Taylor threw really well. She hit her spots.”

East Jackson is just getting started as the Eagles will play seven games in the next seven days. That includes a four-game stint this weekend at the Threads Tournament in Stephens County. The stretch starts, however, with a road game at West Hall Thursday.

“We’re looking for a battle on Thursday,” Howell said.