File photo – Fortuna head coach Eric Helms talks to some of his players during a game last year. The Huskies opened the 2019 season at Middletown on Friday.

It was a typical opener in some ways, and a very impressive start in others, as the Fortuna Huskies began the 2019 softball season at Middletown on Friday.

The Huskies won the game 16-6 in five innings, getting 10 hits and playing some outstanding defense.

A lack of outdoor practice time so far this season, coupled with the cold and damp conditions, appeared to affect both teams, although it was the Huskies who adapted as the game wore on.

Both teams were credited with some outstanding defense, particularly the visitors, with Paige Johnson, Mollie Sager and Abbie Edgar each making big plays to cut off potential big innings for the Mustangs.

In the circle, both pitchers struggled to hit their spots early on, but Fortuna ace Jackie Duncan made the better adjustments and settled down as the game wore on.

The home team scored three runs in the bottom of the first and just three more the rest of the way.

All six of their runs were unearned, with Duncan allowing six hits and six walks, and striking out two.

Defensively, the Huskies did not commit any errors, while the Mustangs had six.

Middletown dropped to 0-3 with the loss.

Flying start

A pair of Fortuna sophomores got the season off to a flying start at the plate.

Renee Metz finished 3-for-3 with a pair of walks, including a triple, and scored runs on four of the five times she reached base.

Fellow sophomore Lorelei Martinez finished 2-for-4 with a double and four RBIs.

Senior Lexi Roby also had a pair of hits, while Morgan Murray, Olivia Sanchez and Johnson rounded out a 10-hit performance.

Johnson also walked three times and scored four runs.

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Ray Hamill writes at humboldtsports.com, where you can read lots more about sports in Humboldt County.