By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

CHESAPEAKE — The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers left runners on base, but they didn’t leave without a win.

Ironton left 11 runners stranded but rode the 3-hit pitching of Karlie Collins as they edged the Chesapeake Lady Panthers 4-2 Thursday.

“I am really pleased with Collins’ effort on the mound. Each game she gets stronger and she is getting more confident,” said Ironton coach Missy Fields. “We just need to score more runs to help her with her effort.”

Collins struck out 10 and walked four.

Ironton (2-1) had seven hits as Nikki Elswick went 2-3. Andi Kratzenberg and Collins each had doubles.

Ironton scored three runs in the first inning.

Kratzenberg doubled, stole third base and scored on a wild pitch. Brianna Foster, Laken White and Collins all walked to load the bases and Elswick had a two-run single.

Chesapeake got a run in the bottom of the inning but Ironton answered with a run in the fifth when Kratzenberg reached on an error and moved around on a ground out and two passed balls.

Despite the loss, the Lady Panthers pulled off a triple play in the second inning. Sarah Mayo, Sarah Rice and Anna Mayo each singled for Chesapeake.

Ironton hosts Coal Grove at 5 p.m. Friday and Russell, Ky., in a doubleheader at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Ironton 300 010 0 = 4 7 2

Chesapeake 100 010 0 = 2 3 2

Karlie Collins and Saige Fields. Sarah Rice and Caitlin Heffner. W-Collins (K-10, BB-4). L-Rice (K-5, BB-11). 2B-Ironton: Andi Kratzenberg, Karlie Collins; Chesapeake: Sarah Rice. Hitting-Ironton: Andi Kratzenberg 1-3, Brianna Foster 1-3, Laken White 1-2, Karlie Collins 1-2, Nikki Elswick 2-3, Alex Taylor 1-3; Chesapeake: Sarah Mayo 1-3, Sarah Rice 1-4, Anna Mayo 1-3.