MHS (13-1) extended its winning streak to nine games with back-to-back 11-0 victories over the Dragons.

“Offensively, this was our best night,” coach Ballard Patterson said. “I’m not positive that it was a fantastic pitching night, but we played good defense.”

Senior Kendra Leach started the first game in the pitching circle. MHS gave Leach a 3-0 cushion in the first inning, and the UMKC signee never looked back. She went the distance, striking out seven batters and improving to 7-1 on the season.

The Bulldogs extended their lead to 9-0 with a six-run third inning and added two more in the fourth for the final margin of victory. Valley Falls failed to answer, so the mercy rule went into effect after the fifth.

As a team, MHS went a collective 15-of-25 at the plate. Six players had at least two hits in the contest.

“We really had great approaches,” Patterson said. “Our short game worked really, really well. The girls who were having timing issues were able to overcome them. It was just great hitting all the way up and down the lineup.”

The offensive outburst didn’t stop at the end of the first game, as MHS gave freshman pitcher Angela Dailey an 4-0 lead to work with in the nightcap. That was more than enough for Dailey, who allowed just one hit and struck out three in five shutout frames. She is now 6-0 this season and hasn’t allowed an earned run in 38 innings.

Offensively, MHS bested its performance in the opener, going a combined 19-of-30 in the second game. Patterson’s squad scored at least one run in all five innings.

“I’ve been waiting on us to get that ‘smell of blood in the water’ mentality,” Patterson said. “We put together two good games (Monday) night.”

Next up for the Bulldogs is a makeup doubleheader against Riverside on Wednesday. They were supposed to host the Cyclones on April 12, but the games were postponed due to inclement weather. Wednesday’s action will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Home doubleheaders with Holton and Jeff West are also scheduled for April 30 and May 3, respectively.

“We’ve got three really big doubleheaders coming up,” Patterson said. “If we can put together two solid defensive games and continue to drive the ball, we’re going to be in great shape.”

Game 1

McLouth 306 20X XX — 11

Valley Falls 000 00X X — 0

Game 2

McLouth 413 12X X — 11

Valley Falls 000 00X X — 0