Mike Ridaught
The Gainesville softball team has been working on improving its defense.
GHS has committed a whopping 39 errors this season.
Despite a 14-6 win against rival Buchholz in the season opener, the Hurricanes committed eight errors in the game.
In a 16-10 loss to Forest (Ocala) in their second game, GHS also had eight errors.
“We’ve talked about it at every practice,” said Gainesville coach Chris Chronister. “We’re working on it. We’re going to get better by the end of the year. The goal is to be our best at the end of the year so I think we’re getting on our way there.”
However, during their current 3-game winning streak, Gainesville has only committed a total of five errors.
One of the reasons for the turnaround is that Chronister has moved players around, including moving second baseman Karter Thorp to shortstop and moving Michaela Cromarty, who leads the team with 15 errors, over to second base.
“I think we’ve gotten better than where we started the season, but we had a few errors (Tuesday) and it cost us a run and put us in a bad situation later in the game.”
Against Suwannee on Tuesday, the Hurricanes (5-4) committed a throwing error by Kyra Hornsby, which led to the Bulldogs’ only run of the game.
In the seventh inning with one out, third baseman Braylin Cook committed an error, which brought the winning run to the plate
However, the next batter grounded out to first and Hornsby struck out the final batter to end the game.
Hornsby finished with a complete game victory against Suwannee (1-5), striking out eight and walking none. She tossed a 4-hitter and allowed no earned runs.
She also finished 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI.
“She works hard,” Chronister said. “She deserves it.”
Hornsby has given up 57 runs in 55 innings pitched. However, only 26 runs have been earned.
“She’s done exactly what we’ve asked,” Chronister. “If she throws strikes, and we play defense, we’re fine.”
Weather permitting, GHS will host unbeaten Union County (6-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. Plus, the ‘Canes have to travel to Suwannee for the rematch next Thursday and then host unbeaten Williston (5-0) next Friday, March 18.
“It’s not going to be easy, but I think we are getting better, and this will be a test,” Chronister said. “We’ll find out in the next few games.”