The Salem Cats 12U softball team won over Fayette County Freedom with two decisive victories — 13–3 and 15–3 — behind strong pitching.
In Game One, the Cats jumped out early and never looked back. Khaeler Williams got things started in the bottom of the first with a groundout that plated a run, followed by a two-run double from Kaylee Carroll and an RBI groundout from Harper McCarthy. The Cats exploded in the second inning, scoring six runs on four hits. A dropped third strike brought in one, Julianna Rushing singled to drive in two more, Shaylee Vest added an RBI single, Williams collected another RBI on a groundout, and Nadea Crist drew a bases-loaded walk.
Salem continued applying pressure in the third, with RBI outs from Harper Strubhart, Anna Thompson, and Izzie Hall to cap the scoring. Carroll earned the win in the circle, allowing just one hit and one unearned run over three innings while striking out nine and walking none. The game ended early due to the run rule, giving the Cats a comfortable 13–3 victory.
The team’s momentum carried straight into Game Two, where the Cats erupted for eight runs in the opening frame to secure a 15–3 win. Shaylee Vest started strong, throwing two no-hit innings with two strikeouts and no walks. Harper Strubhart took over in relief, striking out five and walking one across two innings.
At the plate, the lineup stayed hot. Harper McCarthy led the charge, going 1-for-2 with three RBIs. Kaylee Carroll continued her standout day with a 2-for-3 performance and two RBIs as Salem racked up nine hits overall to seal the sweep.
