Melson, Harrington Combine On No-Hitter

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity softball team continued its dominance on Tuesday, routing visiting Crisfield, 19-0, in a slaughter rule-shortened game behind a combined no-hitter by two pitchers and plenty of offensive firepower at the plate.

Freshman Holly Melson started the game for Decatur and did not give up a hit through four innings. Another young Seahawk pitcher, Blakelyn Harrington, came on to close out the game and pitched a perfect fifth inning to complete the no-hitter for the Seahawks.

With the Decatur pitchers tossing a combined no-hitter, just one run would have been enough Tuesday against the Crabbers, but, just as they have done all year, the Seahawks pounded the opposition at the plate. Senior Ali Justice had three hits and drove in four runs, while Shelby Jones also collected three hits and drove in two. Kylie Nottingham also had a big day, going 2-3 at the plate and driving in three runs.

Decatur's record now stands at 9-0 on the season and, for the most part, the Seahawks have rarely been tested. Decatur's dominance over Crisfield this season began with a 33-0 win over the Crabbers in the season opener.

After their first four games, Decatur was 4-0 and had outscored their opponents by a combined 66-0. The Seahawks then beat Parkside, 6-1, followed by a 7-1 win over Pocomoke. The closest game of the year for Decatur came last Friday when the edged Wicomico, 3-1, on the road. On the season, they have outscored their opponents by a gaudy 101-3.

The Seahawks hit the road this afternoon for the first of four straight road games against Cambridge-South Dorchester. They will play Snow Hill on the road next Monday, followed by road games against Parkside and Washington next Thursday and Friday.