[02/22/02]One second-inning sequence summed up Warren Central’s 16-1 win over Murrah on Thursday. After seven straight WC batters reached base on errors or walks, Kristen Ashley grounded out to first two Lady Vikes still scored on the play.

Everything seemingly went right for WC (4-0) while everything seemingly went wrong for Murrah (0-1).

“We had to slow down and get used to the timing, but we did a good job of being patient and selective at the plate,” said WC coach Lucy Young, whose team was coming off a 17-hit performance against Richland Tuesday.

It was the best offensive showing by WC since starting up a fast-pitch program three years ago.

WC needed only five hits Thursday, taking advantage of seven walks and seven errors.

Murrah coaches attributed the miscues to “first-game jitters.”

Lyn Strawn tripled to lead off the Lady Vikes’ 11-run second inning. Anna Mitchell’s RBI double was WC’s only other hit during the eruption.

Freshman Brittany Fuller pitched the win, striking out three, walking four and allowing just one hit. Emily Hilderbrand took the loss.

WC substitutes took over with a 14-0 lead in the third inning and ended it on the mercy rule. After back-to-back hits by Candice McKay and Lauren Anderson, a run scored on Claudette Gilman’s foul-out to first, then Rebecca Chick, who walked, gave the final margin when she scored from first on a passed-ball third strike.

Young said the competition will pick up today with a home game against Morton at 6, and with a trip to the Northwest Rankin Tournament Saturday.