MOUNT VERNON — It started out bad and got worse for the Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets (1-3) as they were overwhelmed by the visiting Delaware Pacers, 14-7, in Ohio Capital Conference softball action on Wednesday.
The Jackets’ archrival brought their best, including pitcher Mikayla Cooper, who scattered nine hits, going the route to pick up the victory. She also led off the game with a homer. Delaware centerfielder Abey Frey singled and scored on a fielder’s choice and the Jackets were down 2-0 before they got their first at bat.
“They faced one of the better pitchers in the league and I knew that coming into this game,” said Mount Vernon coach Mike Marcum. “(Delaware) won the league last year and they hit the ball very well.”
Jackets’ second baseman Keli Thompson singled and scored in the bottom of the inning to get a run back. Unfortunately, Delaware got three more runs in the second, keyed by a Frey 2-run double, to add to their lead.
The Jackets rallied for a pair in the second, including an RBI from catcher Abby Lyons, to keep the score at a respectable 5-3.
Delaware second baseman Lindsey Blair doubled and scored in the fourth. Blair would also start off the sixth with a single as the Pacers batted around in the order, launching a five-run, five-hit attack. Delaware, which opened the inning with a pair of hits and a walk, also took advantage of a stolen base, a passed ball and a pair of errors to break the game open, 11-3. Cooper and teammate Alaina Manor each had an RBI and a run in the inning.

