The Philomath High School softball team encountered an offensive-minded Junction City squad Thursday on the road in an 18-4 loss.
The Tigers (1-0) scored runs in every inning and ended the game early in the fifth inning on the 10-run rule. Junction City held leads of 3-1 going into the bottom of the second and 8-4 going into the bottom of the third. The Tigers pulled away with a six-spot in the third and four more in the fourth.
Philomath had three hits in the contest, which included a three-run home run in the third off the bat of junior center fielder Kaylie Kohler. Junior Hannah Bennett drove in a run with a single in the second after senior Ahnika Tryon had doubled to left field.
Junction City had nine hits and reached base 14 times on walks. Junior catcher Lily Buendia hit two home runs and had six RBIs in the win.
Philomath (0-2) is scheduled to next play on March 25-26 with four games in the North Medford Spring Break Invitational. The Warriors will face Douglas and Mazama on the first day and Cascade Christian and Amity on the second day.
The team’s home opener is scheduled for April 2 vs. Gladstone.
