Hermiston hurler Emily Sexton had to pitch herself out of a jam in the first inning of the Bulldogs contest against Post Falls Friday at Rocky Heights Elementary. That was about all the resistance the Bulldogs faced the entire afternoon as they blasted the Trojans 15-1 to improve to 1-1 on the season.

We really had a plan today, Hermiston head coach Kylee Nichols said. We had some things to focus on after our loss to start the year. We were better today, and thats what led to the win.

Hermiston got to work early as it scored 10 runs in the bottom of the first inning. The patient Bulldogs picked up seven walks in the inning, which contributed to the hot start. Madisen Ledbetter opened the flood gates with a two-out, two-run single to give the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead. Ledbetter went 2-for-3 for the game.

After three more runs crossed home plate, Noa Ena stepped to the batters box for a second time in the first. She promptly drove in three with a bases-clearing triple, which proved to be the crushing blow to the Trojans.

We executed our hitting game, Nichols said. It was great to see the bats come alive after a slow start to the season. When we hit like we did today, we are as good as any team out there. The key for us will be sustaining the ability to hit.

The Bulldogs had a plethora of offensive starts in the game. Ena went 2-for-3 with three runs and three RBIs. Abi Drotzmann chipped in with two runs and an RBI, while Kylee Andreason produced three RBIs and two runs of her own.

After her first-inning troubles, Sexton put up a solid performance from the mound.

Sexton threw a complete game while only giving up one run as she scattered three hits. She struck out five Trojans on the afternoon.

Emily threw a phenomenal ball game, Nichols said. She was tough mentally and kept the ball down. Thats what we need for her, and she delivered.

The Bulldogs are headed to Rex Putnam High School for a tournament starting Monday. Nichols said it will be a valuable experience for her team.

We need to play a little bit better defensively, she said. Were going to get a lot of games in against quality opponents next week, and I hope its an area where we can improve. If we hit like we did today, we should be all right. Its going to be a good challenge for us.