Buford’s nine-run, first-inning lead proves too much for Mountain View

Mountain View could not muster up a comeback following a huge nine-run, first-inning effort from Buford on Tuesday, September 12. The Wolves defeated the Bears 16-0 in just three innings at Mountain View High School.

Buford’s Madison Pickens started the game with a double, which was quickly followed by a two-run home run from Mackenzie Pickens. Not to be outdone, Adriana Martinez had to hit her own home run right after Mackenzie’s. Caroline Stanton was walked, Tavye Borders made it to first on a Mountain View error and Summer Castorri was walked. Kylie Gower hit a single but made it to second base on another error by Mountain View. That error would prove costly as it allowed Stanton and Borders to score. A single by Izzy Rettiger drove in Castorri and a single by Madison Pickens set Rettiger up to add another run from a sac fly by Mackenzie Pickens. Madison Pickens crossed home plate to add Buford’s ninth run of the inning thanks to a single by Martinez.

Castorri added Buford’s 10th run of the game in the second inning when she hit a solo home run. Kadyn Gabrels made it to second from a walk and a wild pitch. Rettiger drove in Gabrels off of a single hit. Madison Pickens’ single added another run as Rettiger crossed home plate. Up next, Mackenzie Pickens hit her second two-run home run of the game. The Wolves closed out the top of the second inning up 14-0 over the Bears.

In the top of the third inning, Buford added two more runs to make it 16-0 going into the bottom of the inning.

During the top of the first inning, Mountain View’s starting pitcher Bella Teems was replaced during the first inning by Riley Ashby. Ashby would last until the third inning when Mountain View once again made a pitching change. Jordan Faucett was on the mound through the third inning.

Stanton (7-0) was in perfect form and Mountain View could not get a hit on her. She pitched three innings where she did not give up a single hit, run or walk and she struck out four batters.

Offensive standouts for the Wolves were Mackenzie Pickens (2-for-3, two home runs, sac fly, five RBIs, two runs scored), Martinez (2-for-3, solo home run, two RBIs, one run scored), Madison Pickens (3-for-3, double, two RBIs, three runs scored, one stolen base), Rettiger (2-for-2, two RBIs, two runs scored) and Castorri (solo home run, one RBI, two runs scored).

Buford’s overall season record improved to 14-0 and 5-0 in Region 8-AAAAAAA.

On Wednesday, September 13, the Wolves will make up a region game on the road at Mill Creek. The game starts at 6 p.m.

Featured photo: Buford head coach Trent Adams congratulates Summer Castorri after hitting a solo home run during the game against Mountain View on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. Photo by Jody Jenkins