By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

NEWBERG, Ore.–  Even after a successful season with the Perrydale Pirates this past Spring, Jenna Tompkins admits that there’s work to be done with her game following her game-winning hit for the Salem Aftershock 16U squad Thursday afternoon.

Being aggressive at the plate is something that she is still learning to do.  Tompkins singled with the bases-loaded to hand the Aftershock a 4-3 win over the West Salem Titans 14U squad to ice the 2-0 pool play start to the NAFA Summer Tournament at the Darnell Wright Sports Complex.

“At first I didn’t think I was going to swing at it, initially I wanted to ride the ball out and get the walk.  But I knew I would’ve regretted it if I watched it go by,” Tompkins said.  “That’s something I’ve been working on.  Swinging and not being afraid to hit the ball.”

Tompkins helped the Pirates to a 4-3 record as the hit capped a strong defensive performance by the Salem-based squad.  Dallas’ Brook Dunkin threw a four-inning, 11-strikeout no-hitter in the Aftershocks 10-0 win in Thursday’s opener. 

West Salem’s Meghan Boyles followed that up with a five-inning nail bitter that led to Tompkins game-winner, the Titans pitcher struck out one as the offensive produced 14 runs on 21 hits in Day 1 of the tournament.

“It was pretty cool…We just got to keep getting better every day, eliminating those little mistakes and one-upping yourself,” said Dunkin of the day’s performance. 

North Salem’s Cierra Hernandez went 5-for-6 with an RBI and Tompkins had a team-high 3RBI’s to lead the offensive chard. Boyles and Bella Elliot each had 2RBI’s for Salem who start bracket play at 9:30am back at Darnell Wright Sports Complex in Newberg.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald

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