Oak Forest Launches a Depth Charge

After running through a recent schedule gauntlet, the Oak Forest softball team is still sitting high with a 17-3 record. The Bengals obviously have a wealth of talent. Every batter in the lineup got on base as they used an even-handed approach to dispatch of Tinley Park 5-0 on Thursday.

But the Bengals' most prominent depth on display was the one-two punch of pitchers Emily Norton and Colleen Sherwood.

“When (starter) Norton is on the mound, we feel pretty comfortable as a team with a pitcher like that," Oak Forest coach Paige Stryczek said. "She was humming today and kept them on their toes."

Norton (9-3) pitched five scoreless innings before being relieved by Sherwood.  Norton struck out eight and only gave up two hits, both singles.

“This is a always a game to get pumped up about (playing Tinley Park), but not anything to be nervous over,” Norton said.

Her cool was evident. Norton stayed aggressive and was in total command of her pitches, giving up only one walk. She never allowed the Tinley Park batters to settle into a rythmn.

“All my pitches were working pretty well," Norton said. "That’s what kept me going throughout the game. I didn’t run out of gas, and I just kept throwing hard."

Sherwood was just as stingy in her relief stint. She struck out two and only gave up one hit in her two innings pitched.

“We’re blessed to have two good pitchers,” Stryczek said. “When Sherwood came in at the end, it really limits the amount of looks their good hitters can see on Norton, because we will see the Titans again in sectionals.”