Sophomore Uma Pittman threw a no-hitter and the Johns Creek Lady Gladiators pounded out 13 hits in a 16-0 rout of Gainesville on Thursday, Sept. 3.
The road victory pushed Johns Creek to 14-2 on the season. The program is closing in on its single-season wins record, according to Johns Creek Athletics.
Senior Zelda Arthur set the tone immediately, leading off the game with a double. The Lady Gladiators never let up.
Allie Lafon delivered the biggest blow of the night, launching a two-run home run in the second inning that blew the game open. Lafon also collected multiple hits, as did Pittman, Addie Grindle, Avery Huffman and Claire Dennis. Reese Stiltner and Isla Wells added hits as eight Lady Gladiators reached base safely.
Pittman was just as dominant in the circle. The sophomore struck out five batters, walked two and did not allow a single hit. Gainesville never mounted a serious threat.
The Lady Gladiators also routed Sprayberry 15-1 earlier in the week, a game that extended the team's winning streak to 10. The Gainesville shutout stretched the streak further as head coach Jim Ernst's squad rides a 14-2 record into the final weeks of the regular season.
Pittman has been a force all year. She allowed just one infield single in a 3-2 region win over Roswell on Tuesday, Sept. 1, striking out six and driving in a run. Against Norcross on Aug. 24, she struck out seven while giving up two hits and one run.
The pitching staff depth has shown across the recent stretch. Sophomore Swara Khatri tossed a complete game against Sprayberry, allowing two hits and striking out four while adding two hits and two RBIs at the plate.
Johns Creek travels to Milton on Tuesday, Sept. 8, for a 6:30 p.m. first pitch. The region schedule continues with a home game against Riverwood on Thursday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. and a trip to Lanier on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The GHSA state championship is set for Oct. 28-31 at South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus.
