Whenever Alexis Patterson comes to the plate these days, a buzz ripples through the crowd and both dugouts. Outfielders take a few steps back and opponents hold their breath. Any one parked too close to the outfield fence keeps a nervous eye on their cars.

That’s the effect being a high school softball version of Babe Ruth can have on people.

Patterson, a senior shortstop for Warren Central, has hit seven over-the-fence home runs this season. It’s a staggering amount for a player who had never hit one before this season, for a team that hadn’t had one in recent memory.

“When she does get to hit, and I get on base, I feel like I’m going to get around to home,” teammate Karley Hinson said. “When she’s on, she’s on. And this season, she’s been on.”

Patterson’s home runs have come in bunches. She hit two in the first week of the season, then belted two in one game against Ridgeland and two more in a win over Vicksburg. Patterson said she doesn’t try to hit home runs. Rather, she’s just trying to put a good swing on the ball. That it goes a long way, more often than not, is a bonus.

“When I swing for the fences, I do really bad. When I swing for a hit, it works well,” Patterson said.

Patterson’s success this season hasn’t gone unnoticed. When she comes up with no one on first base — especially in close games — some opposing coaches have opted to intentionally walk her rather than risk giving her a pitch to crush.

“It can actually backfire on you,” WC coach Dana McGivney said of Patterson’s growing reputation. “Some coaches aren’t going to pitch to her. That takes away part of our firepower.”

Patterson said she understands the strategy. It doesn’t mean she likes it, though.

“It’s really, really frustrating,” she said. “In certain situations, I can understand it.”

Patterson’s hitting prowess has helped the Lady Vikes to an 11-5 record so far this season. The playoffs remain a major goal for the team, but Patterson said she doesn’t have a final home run total in mind. If she plays to her potential, however, she feels it could be a lot more than seven.

“If I do what I’m supposed to, and get the right pitch, I think I can hit one every time,” Patterson said. “I don’t have a goal. They just happen. I don’t have a set number.”