Mustangs softball lights up scoreboard after power outage, beats Pirates 10-4

The batting barrage started early for Lakewood Ranch in its 10-4 win over rival Braden River Thursday — but it was only after a loss of power that the team's bats really caught fire.

After allowing a run in the top of the first, the Mustangs responded with back-to-back solo home runs by Kinsey Goelz and Morgan Cummins. Maddie Koczersut added a solo shot of her own in the second inning, and Avery Goelz singled home Denali Schappacher to make the score 4-1.

Braden River would not go away quietly, however. The Pirates had back-to-back solo home runs of their own in the top of the fourth inning via Sarah Crawford and Emma Anthony.

With the game standing at 4-3 in the bottom of the fourth, the lights at Lakewood Ranch's field suddenly went out, encompassing the diamond in darkness. After a significant delay (during which a legitimate dance battle broke out between the two teams), the Mustangs' offense surged. They scored six runs in the frame: Some off base hits, some off errors, and two off another Cummins home run. 

The Pirates would get one run back in the seventh inning (from — you guessed it — a home run), but the damage had already been done. 

Kailey Christian started for Lakewood Ranch and picked up the win after going four innings. The three runs she gave up are the first she has given up all season. Logan Newton pitched two shutout innings in relief, and also went 3-3 at the plate with two doubles. 

The two teams combined for seven home runs.