Blackburn Blanks Jones as Lady Warriors Stay Perfect in District Play

WASHINGTON — Behind a dominant complete-game shutout from Payton Blackburn and a steady offensive attack, Washington rolled past Jones 7-0 on Friday evening to stay unbeaten in 3A-4 district play.

Blackburn was locked in from the start, spinning seven shutout innings while allowing just two hits, walking two, and striking out nine. The Lady Longhorns had few answers for her movement and command, managing just four total baserunners all game.

Washington’s offense gave Blackburn plenty of room to work with, striking early in the bottom of the first inning. Julie Hoehner ripped a triple down the left-field line to set the tone, followed by an RBI double from Daphne Palumbo and a run-scoring single by Presley Lucas. Just like that, the Lady Warriors led 3-0 after one.

The lead grew in the third inning when Isabella Castillo brought in a run on a sacrifice fly to make it 4-0.

In the sixth, Ava Salcedo delivered the knockout punch with a two-run home run to center field, pushing the lead to seven and capping off a consistent day at the plate for Washington.

The Lady Warriors finished with eight hits and showed great patience at the plate, drawing six walks. Lucas, Salcedo, and Hoehner each collected two hits, with Salcedo going 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Palumbo reached base multiple times and stole three bases.

Emma Gibson took the loss for Jones, going six innings and allowing eight hits, seven runs (five earned), six walks, and three strikeouts. The Lady Longhorns struggled to generate offense, with just two singles on the day — one each from Macie Britten and Kinley Taylor.

Team Hitting Leaders:

Washington (7 hits):

• Ava Salcedo: 2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, 1 run
  
• Presley Lucas: 2-for-4, RBI, 1 run
  
• Julie Hoehner: 2-for-4, triple, 1 run
  
• Daphne Palumbo: 1-for-2, double, RBI, 2 runs, 3 SB
  
• Isabella Castillo: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
  
• Team: 6 walks, 3 stolen bases
  

Jones (2 hits):

• Macie Britten: 1-for-3
  
• Kinley Taylor: 1-for-3
  
• Team: 2 walks, 4 total baserunners
  

Pitching Summary:

• Payton Blackburn (Washington): 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
  
• Emma Gibson (Jones): 6.0 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
  

The Lady Warriors will return to action Monday at home for a 3A-4 district doubleheader against Crossings Christian.