PORTAGE | Michigan City started fast and ended strong in a 12-2 win over Portage on Tuesday afternoon in five innings.
Jameka Collins had a leadoff double to start the first inning, and added a three-run homer to help lift the Wolves in the Duneland Athletic Conference matchup.
"When I hit the ball, I just knew it was going to go over," Collins said, who hit her second home run of the year in the fifth inning to give Michigan City it's 10-run lead. "This shows how I've been working hard all season."
Collins scored the game's first run and the Wolves' last as her three-run dinger over the right-center field fence also scored Megan Nilson and Katelyn Shebel.
"Jamkea's been doing great for us," M.C. coach Candy Feare said. "When she gets an opportunity, she's making the most of it."
After Michigan City took the 2-0 lead in the first inning, Portage's Kyle Someson replaced pitcher Natalie Korpak in the second inning. The Wolves (3-1, 2-1) took a 7-0 lead through the third inning.
"We had a good start, our bats came out smoking and we didn't lay back," Feare said. "We hit very well tonight."
The Indians (4-3, 0-3 DAC) added their two runs in the bottom of the third inning after Jena Alaniz hit a leadoff single to center field. Somerson and Kristen Ashby both hit doubles to cut the lead to 7-2.
"We played poorly in all aspects, with a few exceptions," Indians coach Gil Arzola said. "But there's no reason to panic."
Peyton Webb pitched all five innings for the Wolves, giving up four hits, striking out two and walking one player.
"Today I came out better than I had been in previous games," Webb said.
"Webb did a good job pitching a complete game," Collins said. "Her goal was to pitch a complete game, even though today it was five innings."
Portage gave up 14 hits and Korpak struck out three Michigan City batters.
"Portage is tough," Arzola said. "We know how to respond. The next team that comes in should be afraid, because we will get better."
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