HOSCHTON, Ga. — Buford's offense broke open a back-and-forth region matchup with a nine-run third inning Thursday night, powering the Wolves to a 17-7 run-rule victory over Mill Creek.

The win keeps Buford perfect on the season at 10-0 overall and 5-0 in Region 8-7A play.

Sophomore Lydia Hamrick and senior Brooklyn Atha led a 15-hit attack with three hits and three RBIs apiece, while junior Ansley Kehren drove in a game-high four runs. Senior Kennedy Townsend settled the game down in relief and earned the victory in the circle.

Buford wasted little time getting on the board.

Hamrick opened the game with a solo home run to right field, the first varsity home run of her career. Atha later reached and came around to score when Kehren drove her in, giving the Wolves a 2-0 advantage after the opening frame.

The lead grew in the second inning.

Sophomore Mackenzie Fritsch delivered a two-run single to left field before Atha launched a two-run home run to straightaway center. The blast was Atha's sixth home run of the season and pushed Buford's lead to 6-0.

Mill Creek responded with six runs in the bottom half of the inning to even the game at 6-6 and bring Townsend into the circle in relief of junior starter Taylor Jackson.

From there, Buford took control.

The Wolves sent runs across the plate in bunches during the third inning, scoring nine times and turning a tied game into a 15-6 advantage.

Freshman Ella Rackley, junior Hayden Halper, Fritsch, Hamrick, Atha and Kehren all played a part in the scoring surge. Hamrick added a two-run single, Atha drove in another run with a triple and Kehren contributed a sacrifice fly as Buford worked its way through the Mill Creek pitching staff.

Buford added two more runs in the fourth when Kehren brought home Fritsch and Hamrick, increasing the lead to 17-6.

Mill Creek managed one run in the bottom of the fifth, but Townsend and the Buford defense closed the door to secure the 17-7 run-rule victory.

Townsend improved to 2-0 this season after allowing just one earned run and three hits in 3 1/3 innings of relief. She also recorded one strikeout.

Hamrick finished 3-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, three runs scored and two stolen bases. Atha also went 3-for-4, finishing a single shy of the cycle with a double, triple and two-run home run. She drove in three runs, scored three times and added a stolen base.

Fritsch was perfect at the plate, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs and three runs scored. Kehren finished with four RBIs, including a sacrifice fly.

L.G. Goldin reached base three times, scored twice and stole two bases, while Rackley and Halper each added an RBI. Buford finished the night with seven stolen bases as a team.

Jackson made her fifth start of the season for the Wolves before Townsend entered in relief.

The victory marked Buford's second win over Mill Creek this season and continued an unbeaten start that has seen the Wolves remain perfect through their first 10 games.

Buford returns home Tuesday, September 8, when the Wolves host region opponent Seckinger at the Buford Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Game Notes

Final: Buford 17, Mill Creek 7
Records: Buford 10-0 overall, 5-0 Region 8-7A
Winning Pitcher: Kennedy Townsend (2-0)
Location: Mill Creek High School
Result: Buford wins by run rule in five innings

Buford Offensive Leaders

Brooklyn Atha: 3-for-4, double, triple, two-run home run, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, stolen base

Lydia Hamrick: 3-for-4, solo home run, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, 2 stolen bases

Mackenzie Fritsch: 2-for-2, 3 RBIs, 3 runs

Ansley Kehren: 1-for-3, sacrifice fly, 4 RBIs

L.G. Goldin: 1-for-2, 2 runs, 2 stolen bases, walk

Ella Rackley: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 runs, stolen base

Hayden Halper: 1-for-3, RBI, run

Up Next

Seckinger at Buford
Tuesday, September 8
Buford Softball Complex
6 p.m.