Church League softball gets rolling
Asa Robertson comes in to score while Layne Roberts is right one his heels after Roberts’ inside-the-park HR in Thursday’s win for Rock Island Church of Christ.
The race for Church League bragging rights is starting to take shape.
Centertown United Methodist Church remained unbeaten in the women's division Thursday night behind another standout performance from Shelby Smartt, while Rock Island and Living Word Fellowship continued building momentum in the men's league during a busy evening at Edley Newman Field.
Smartt continued her torrid start to the season as Centertown rolled past Rock Island Church of Christ 25-10 to improve to 4-0.
The veteran star finished 4-for-4 at the plate and once again flashed the defensive skills that have made her one of the league's most recognizable players. Centertown has now won all four of its games by comfortable margins and has outscored opponents 85-30 while establishing itself as the early favorite in the women's division.
The men's action opened with Rock Island taking on Hebron Church of Christ, and for a few innings the game remained within reach.
That changed quickly in the third and led to a 16-4 run-rule victory.
Rock Island erupted for a big inning that put the game out of reach. Layne Roberts sparked the rally with a two-run inside-the-park home run, while Scott Moore followed with a two-run single down the left-field line that stretched the lead into double digits.
With the offense providing plenty of support, Asa Robertson slammed the door shut in the fifth. Robertson needed just five pitches to retire Hebron in order and preserve a quick victory.
The late game belonged to Living Word Fellowship.
Living Word improved to 3-0 with a 22-1 victory over Martin Chapel Fellowship, continuing an impressive start that has the team tied atop the men's standings with New Union, which had the night off Thursday.
In the fourth game of a busy night, Holy Sticks erupted at the plate to crush Freedom Life 25-12.
League action returns Tuesday, June 2, at Edley Newman Field. Holy Sticks will face New Union at 5:30 p.m., Freedom Life Church will take on Martin Chapel Fellowship at 7:30 p.m. and Living Word Fellowship will meet Hebron Church of Christ at 8:30 p.m.
Women's standings
Centertown United Methodist Church 4-0
Bibles on Base 0-2
Rock Island Church of Christ 0-2
Men's standings
Living Word Fellowship 3-0
New Union 3-0
Holy Sticks 2-1
Rock Island Church of Christ 2-1
Hebron Church of Christ 0-1
Freedom Life 0-3
Martin Chapel Fellowship 0-4
