Blakely Burch contributed on offense and defense against Sante Fe.

Jordan Roberts launched two home runs, Lacee Giddens pitched another solid game, and the Suwannee High School softball team defeated Sante Fe 9-2 on Tuesday night.

The Lady Bulldogs connected on two home runs in the third inning. Blakely Burch lined a two-run home run over the left center field fence. After a Savannah Brown pop out, Roberts followed with a towering fly ball that sailed over the left field wall. Roberts’ solo shot gave SHS a 4-0 lead after three.

“We knew that she was throwing high and inside,” Roberts said. “I tried to get my hands out front and get some extension on that pitch.”

Giddens didn’t need much help. She struck out seven and didn’t allow a run until the sixth inning. 

“I was working my corners really good,” Giddens said. “I went to my curve ball a lot and worked the inside.” 

SHS will count on Giddens heavily in the following weeks. Coach Jeff Smith said that the team’s other pitcher, Brandi Davis, will be sidelined at least two weeks. 

The Lady Bulldogs continued their hot streak at the plate. In four games this season, SHS is averaging 13 runs per game. They had 10 hits on Tuesday, five of which went for extra bases.

Burch smacked her second home run of the season and also played well defensively. The Lady Raiders closed the lead to 5-2 in the sixth inning. In the sixth, a pop fly dropped on the infield. Burch retrieved the ball, raced to second, and dove in head first to tag the bag. She recorded the second out of the inning. Instead of runners at first and second with one out, the Lady Raiders were left with a runner on first and two outs.

Alexis Brown went 3-for-4 with two doubles. She drove in three runs. Her bases-clearing double in the seventh inning gave SHS a 9-2 lead.

The Lady Bulldogs moved to 4-0 on the season. It was the first loss of the season for Sante Fe. The Lady Raiders dropped to 2-1. 

SHS will face Baker County on Feb. 19. It is an away game with a 7 p.m. start.

Roberts thought the victory over Sante Fe would give the Lady Bulldogs confidence when they face a tough Baker County team.

“I think every win that we have is another way to be confident,” she said. “The only way to beat them is knowing that we’re good enough to play with them.”