ÍáÍáÂþ»­

BEMIDJI – The bats were hot early and often for the Bemidji High ÍáÍáÂþ»­ softball team on Thursday against Park Rapids.

The Lumberjacks scored 10 runs in the first inning to beat the Panthers 10-4.

After an error and a ground out put a runner on third to open the game, Karley LaZella brought home a run with an RBI single. Maya Schmidt singled before Olivia Birt and Ridley Hadrava each walked to score another run.

After a strikeout, Matjea Malterud walked in another run before Jordan Pemberton made it 5-0 with a two-run single. Sammy Nistler singled in another before LaZella walked with the bases loaded. Schmidt capped off the big inning with another run-scoring hit.

Schmidt didn’t need any more cushion in the circle. She allowed three earned runs on eight hits. She struck out seven batters and walked two in a complete-game effort.

Bemidji improved to 5-3 this season while Park Rapids fell to 6-4.

Bemidji 10, Park Rapids 4

PR 011 002 0 – 4-8-1

BHS 10 00 000 X – 10-10-1

WP: Schmidt (7 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K)

LP: Weiss (1.2 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K)