AURORA, Mo. — Joplin's softball team opened its 2026 season with a bang Friday, exploding for eight runs in the first two innings en route to a 16-0 win in a run rule-shortened game against Hillcrest at the Aurora Kickoff Classic at Aurora High School.
It was the debut for Eagles starting pitcher Brenley Comer, who gave up no runs and no hits while striking out five and walking one in a complete three-inning game.
“She did a great job,” Joplin head coach Jaren Hulette said. “We were going fastball and off-speed. She threw almost every pitch that she has and spun it really well. She was hitting her spots. We are excited to see more of her in the circle as this year progresses.”
Comer induced a roundball out against the first batter she faced and struck out the next two batters to end the inning.
"I enjoy striking them out because it pumps me up and really gets me going,” Comer said.
That’s where the Eagles offense took over, plating eight runs, including a two-run homer that gave Joplin a 5-0 lead.
“It was straight down the middle — kind of a meatball,” Jessica Madl said of the pitch that resulted in a homer. "I just drove it and was able to get a good hit.”
Joplin increased its lead while showing patience at the plate in a game that saw the Eagles draw 10 walks and four hit batters. Their 16 runs came via just three hits.
"That’s something we’ve worked on in the last few months — being disciplined at the plate,” Hulette said. “Whether we are seeing higher velo or a girl that throws a little softer in the circle. We’ve worked on being patient at the plate and looking for something that we can drive.”
The Eagles plated eight more runs in the second frame and shut the Hornets down in order in the top of the third to claim the 16-0 win.
The lopsided win gave Hulette the opportunity to play most of his roster — girls who have endured hot practices throughout August.
“Anytime we can get them out there and we can get things rolling, it’s exciting — and these girls did a nice job,” Hulette said.
Madl, a senior, talked about cheering on her teammates during the lopsided game.
“We work really hard in the summer and in the winter, with morning practices and practices after school, so it’s really nice to see all of them get a chance to play,” Madl said.
In Friday's other early game, Carl Junction logged an 8-1 win over Seneca after a seven-run second inning.
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