Ironton has used the combination of solid pitching, hitting, and defense this season, and it used that formula Monday to blank the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings 3-0.

Tuesday, April 11, 2000

Ironton has used the combination of solid pitching, hitting, and defense this season, and it used that formula Monday to blank the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings 3-0.

Freshman Ashley McCloud went the distance as she ran her record to 4-0. Picking up her second shutout of the year, McCloud allowed only two hits, struck out six and walked one.

"These girls are playing good ball," Ironton coach Pete McCloud said. "We’ve been seeing some good pitchers and we’ve been able to keep hitting. We’ve been winning games with good defense and we’re hitting the ball.

"And our pitchers have thrown well. Ashley pitched the whole game and did real good job. That was a great effort for a freshman. Our pitchers have great control and we have a great defense behind them."

The loss spoiled an outstanding performance by the Lady Vikings Candace Sharp who gave up six hits, struck out six, and walked one.

Ironton got the game’s only runs in the third inning.

Maria Frazer doubled and Carly Isaac, Nicole King, and Jessica Ensor all followed with base hits.

Melissa Cielec, Isaac, King, McCloud, and Ensor all went 1-2 and Frazer 1-3.

Tommie Holbrook and Candace Sharp each went 1-3 for the Vikings.

Ironton, 6-2, plays at South Point Tuesday.

Sym. Valley 000 000 0 – 0 2 0

Ironton 003 000 x – 3 6 0

Candace Sharp and Tommie Holbrook. Ashley McCloud and Melissa Cielec. W-McCloud 4-0 (6-K, 1-W). L-Sharp (6-K, 1-W). 2B-Ironton: Maria Frazer, Ashley McCloud. Hitting-Symmes Valley: Tommie Holbrook 1-3, Candace Sharp 1-3; Ironton: Maria Frazer 1-3, Carly Isaac 1-2 (RBI), Nicole King 1-3 (RBI), Melissa Cielec 1-2, Ashley McCloud 1-2, Jessica Ensor 1-2 (RBI).