JACKSON — Hard start, easy finish.

The Ironton Lady Tigers had tough games against Fairland and Gallipolis early last week but finished with a doubleheader win over the Jackson Ironladies Saturday in Southeastern Ohio Athletic League games.

Ironton banged out 20 hits in the two games including four home runs. Alex Taylor homered in an 8-0 first game win and joined Nikki Elswick and Karlie Collins in the second game home run derby as the Lady Tigers won 13-2 in five innings.

“This was a tough week as we suffered losses to Fairland and Gallipolis,” said Ironton coach Missy Fields.

“We worked hard Thursday and Friday on hitting and situations. Our defense stepped it up a notch (Saturday). Janie Morris threw out two runners at home from centerfield. Emily Davis threw three batters out at first from right field.”

Collins went six innings to get the win in the first game. She struck out six, walked four and gave up six hits.

Morris was 2-3, Taylor 3-4 and Rebekkah Potter 2-4 to pace a 9-hit attack.

The Lady Fighting Tigers had 11 hits in the second game with Taylor Lilly going 2-3 while Taylor and Elswick were 2-4.

“The bats were hot once again. This team has so much potential,” said Fields.

Kylie Summers got the win in the second game with relief work from Emily Lilly. Summers fanned seven and walked just one.

Ironton hosts South Webster Tuesday.

Saturday First Game

Ironton 002 321 0 = 8 9 1

Jackson 000 000 0 = 0 6 1

Karlie Collins, Rebekkah Potter (7) and Emily Lilly. Apsley at Oberholzer.W-Collins (6-K, 4-BB). Potter 1-BB. L-Apsley (7-K, 3-BB). 2B-Ironton: Janie Morris, Alex Taylor, Rebekkah Potter. HR_Ironton: Alex Taylor. Hitting-Ironton: Janie Morris 2-3, Alex Taylor 3-4, Emily Lilly 1-4, Rebekkah Potter 2-4, Karlie Collins 1-4; Jackson: Cooper 1-3, Jenkins 1-3, B. King 3-4, Oberholezer 1-3.

Saturday’s Second Game

Ironton 307 03 = 13 11 0

Jackson 101 00 = 2 4 0

Kylie Summers, Emily Lilly (4) and Emily Lilly, Karlie Collins (1). Hughes, White (4) and Jenkins. W-Summers (7-K, 1-BB). L-Hughes (3-K, 3-BB). 2B-Ironton: Janie Morris. HR-Ironton: Alex Taylor, Nikki Elswick, Karlie Collins. Hitting-Ironton: Taylor Lilly 2-3, Janie Morris 1-3, Alex Taylor 2-4, Emily Lilly 1-3, Nikki Elswick 2-4, Rebekkah Potter 1-3, Karlie Collins 1-3, Andi Kratzenberg 1-3; Jackson: Cooper 1-2, Hughes 1-1, Apsley 2-2.