The Knoxville Softball Squad swept a double header over Washington on Wednesday night 4-2 in game one and dominated in game two 12-0 ending it after four innings. In game one the Panthers slowly built a 4-1 lead on the strength of Ashlyn Finarty’s six inning, five strikeout performance in the circle. In game two, the Panthers left no doubt plating eight runs in the bottom of the 1st to take firm control and allow Ciara Heffron to pitch a relaxed outing fanning six Demons while allowing just two hits in four innings of work. While the wins were nice, Coach Carla Smith told KNIA/KRLS Sports her team still needs to have the right approach to the game, especially at the plate.

Smith: “We came out and put the ball in play quite a bit better and set the tone from there. We’ve been preaching since the preseason about coming to the game with the right mindset and if the pitcher leaves the ball flat over the plate to hit it hard and we’ve been doing a much better job of that.”

Knoxville is 4-0 and finally gets to start South Central Conference play at Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont. Meanwhile, the baseball Panthers have had an extended time off since last Friday’s win over Pella. Knoxville will also travel to EBF tonight to start conference play. Pitcher Beau Leisure, who threw 15 strikeouts in Friday’s win over Pella tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he is looking forward to tonight and getting off to a good start in conference play.

Leisure: “Our team is hot right now and I’m excited to see what we can do against Eddyville tonight and Centerville in a doubleheader Friday, and I think I’m throwing one of those games, and I’m just excited to get on the bump and help us get started in the conference.”

Knoxville has been hot lately winning its last four games standing at 5-2. Find an interview with Leisure on kniakrls.com that aired during this week’s Radio Sports Page Wednesday at 6:00 and Thursday at 10:00 on KNIA/KRLS. You can also listen to tonight’s baseball game live on 95.3 KNIA starting with the pre game at 7:15.