Patriots Put Out the Heat: Softball and Baseball Teams Blaze Past Liberty Christian
Patriots Put Out the Heat: Softball and Baseball Teams Blaze Past Liberty Christian
The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots were on fire Friday, as both the softball and baseball teams picked up dominant victories over Liberty Christian, extinguishing the Heat with ease in front of their home crowd.
Softball: Patriots Claim First Win of the Season with 7-2 Victory
It had been a tough start to the season for the Patriots, who dropped their first two games to Harrells (14-5) and Halifax Academy (10-0). But on Friday, Arendell Parrott’s softball team finally found its stride, securing a 7-2 win over Liberty Christian for its first victory of the year.
The Patriots' success was largely thanks to Claire Mixon, who pitched a complete game. Mixon went the distance, tossing all seven innings, striking out eight batters, and allowing only three hits and three walks. At the plate, she was a key contributor as well, going 2-for-3. But she wasn’t the only one shining at the dish—Callie Sanderson and Jade Bright also turned in solid performances, both going 2-for-3.
After the game, head coach Kristen Beaman reflected on the young team’s growth: "We are a really young team this season. We are getting better every day. I'm just really proud of everybody." She added, "We are moving in the right direction early, and I am proud of that."
Mixon echoed her optimism, saying, "We have a very young team, and we are growing up to be a bigger and better team than we were last year." This win could be a turning point as the Patriots continue to build momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Baseball: Patriots Shut Down Liberty Christian in 16-0 Blowout
On the baseball field, the Patriots were nothing short of dominant, blowing out Liberty Christian 16-0 in a performance that had the Heat on their heels from the first pitch. Jarrett Mooring was the catalyst, earning the win after pitching two strong innings, striking out five batters, and walking two.
Mooring didn’t just dominate on the mound—he also powered the offense, leading the team with three hits and three RBIs. Tanner Outlaw also had a solid outing, collecting two hits and driving in three runs. When it was time to finish the game, Thomas Beaman took over in relief, tossing three shutout innings with six strikeouts and allowing just one hit. It was a complete team effort that left Liberty Christian with little chance to recover.
Head coach Robert Kravits was pleased with the team’s all-around performance, saying, "They just came in there and did their job. Jarrett pitched a few innings for us, threw strikes, and pounded the zone. That's what we want." He also praised the offense for its aggressiveness, adding, "Had guys swing the bat, they swung it well and hit it hard."
Kravits was especially happy to see Beaman gain some confidence on the mound, stating, "It is good to see him go out there and get some confidence and have the guys behind him, accept him in the dugout—good experience for him."
Looking ahead to next week’s tough slate, which includes games against Pungo Christian and a doubleheader against Wayne Christian, Kravits said, "We're just going to come out and prepare and do whatever we can to beat them."
Mooring, reflecting on the dominant win, said, "I think our whole team did good swinging the bat, and I think I pitched pretty good."
With both teams showing strong performances and confidence growing by the day, the Patriots look primed to continue their success as the season rolls on.
