Mental focus is a key for this year’s addition of Bristol Eastern softball.
The Lancers lacked it their last time out against Middletown, and they were smacked 18-10 at home on Wednesday. The loss dropped Eastern to 1-2.
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| Bristol Eastern sophomore Jordan Fitzsimons hit two home runs in Friday’s home win over Newington. |
The Lancers got back to the .500 mark Friday with a convincing home win, 10-3 over Newington. Sophomore Jordan Fitzsimons had a ridiculous game, going 3-for-4 (she reached base all four times) with 2 homers, 5 RBI and 3 runs scored. She also played a solid game on defense at shortstop.
“She’s a great little player with a ton of potential,” Eastern coach Scott Redman said.
Both homers were in the park at Eastern’s spacious home field, but they were also both bombs over the centerfielder’s head.
“I don’t know how she hit that second ball over the centerfielder’s head,” Redman said.
Fitzsimons was happy with her day, though she shared the credit.
“It felt good,” Fitzsimons said. “We all played well together.”
Jenifer Tabacco had three hits (3-for-4), including a double. Charline Plasczynski had two hits and two runs scored while Anna Kelley added two hits (double) and a run scored.
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| Bristol Eastern senior pitcher Jenifer Tabacco struck out 10 in a complete-game effort. She also had three hits. |
In the circle, Tabacco struck out 10 in a complete-game effort.
“She pitched a lot better today, she located a lot better,” Redman said.
When runners did get on base, Tabacco was able to limit the damage.
“She pitched really well, and we did well defensively,” Fitzsimons said.
On Friday, Eastern showed what could happen this season if it’s on its game.
“Potentially, we could be really good, but we need to come mentally prepared for every game,” Redman said.
Fitzsimons also talked about consistency.
“I think just repetition, having a good approach,” Fitzsimons said.
A solid effort got Eastern back to .500. More efforts like the one displayed Friday will lead to more victories this season. Eastern plays Simsbury Monday.
