Auburn Riverside fastpitch rides high in 12-run win over Kentwood

Published 3:15 pm Wednesday, March 25, 2026

After a scoreless first inning, Auburn Riverside’s offense exploded for 14 runs and defeated Kentwood, 14-2, in their first league game of the season on March 24.

The Ravens’ offense caught fire in the second inning after leaving runners on second and third with no outs in the first. The bottom of the Ravens’ lineup started the four-run fourth inning on a two-out bunt single from Kylee Curtis.

“It feels amazing to get that going. It also helps me when I am pitching. It gives me insurance runs that way,” said Curtis, who started in the circle, throwing four of the five innings for Auburn Riverside.

A pair of Kentwood errors helped extend the inning for Auburn Riverside, but it was tough at-bats at the tail end of the lineup that impressed head coach Bryce Strand.

“Those kids had a chance to swing and when it was time to do small ball stuff, they executed. I thought that was a big thing to get us jump started,” Strand said.

Curtis had a shaky second inning in the circle, giving up back-to-back singles, and an error loaded the bases. But she was able to get two strikeouts, and got Ell Sakai to pop out to keep a zero on the scoreboard.

In Curtis’ next two innings, just two Conquerors were able to reach base.

Auburn Riverside was able to keep up pressure on Kentwood’s Gabby Greenwood. The Ravens scored three runs in the third inning to take a 7-0 lead. That added insurance helped Curtis cruise for the remainder of her start.

“It makes me feel a lot more relaxed because I know my team has my back. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it can just be good. Me giving up one or two runs is not going to make that big of a difference,” Curtis said.

Curtis’ final line in the circle was 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 7K and 2 BB on 78 pitches. Tinsley Harlow entered in the fifth inning and gave up a pair of runs, but the Ravens were able to win via mercy rule.

Mayah Flowers struck out in the first inning, but then in her next two at-bats, she reached base. She dropped down a bunt single and then lined a double in the right-center gap. Her approach, especially in the middle of the lineup, will be crucial for the Ravens.

“I saw some real improvement in her plate discipline. First at-bat, she battled and did a really good job of early in the count not swinging at pitches out of the zone. … It was really good to see her be patient,” Strand said.

In the fourth, seven runs came across, and in that frame, every Raven in the dugout who hadn’t recorded a plate appearance stepped into the box. This early in the season, getting valuable experience will be beneficial down the line.

“In a program you really want to reward those kids and give them that opportunity. That’s how you prepare younger kids for later in the season and their future,” Strand said. “This was a close game then in the middle innings it started getting away a little bit. So there is a fine line of trying to get all your kids in and not run the score up.”

Curtis echoed that sentiment — getting the nerves out now will help the younger role players.

“It’s awesome for everyone to be able to build that experience. It is going to help us down the road, so it’s really awesome to jump up on a team and get those other players in,” Curtis said.

Freshman Audrey Kemp had one of the more impressive swings, going to the opposite field for her first home run of the season. Kemp hasn’t had a ton of opportunities, but if she keeps taking advantage of them, more at-bats will come her way.

“She got her shot there. She’s had at least one at-bat early in the season in the same kind of situation. Audrey doesn’t lack confidence and doesn’t shy away from a challenge, so watching that at-bat, she was ready to go,” Strand said.

Auburn Riverside takes on Stadium on the road on March 26 as NPSL play continues.