PORTLAND — The Thornton Academy girls softball team picked up a big road win, cruising past Deering 15-1 Thursday evening in five innings.

The Trojans collected 12 hits on the day while also getting nine more base runners from walks.

TA coach John Provost thought his team hit the ball well throughout the game.

“We basically just put the ball in play – we hit the ball hard,” said Provost.

Along with a potent offensive attack, TA also got a solid performance from sophomore Journey Barnes in the circle.

Barnes pitched all five innings for TA, allowing one run on five hits while striking out four batters.

“Journey did a nice job for us. She hasn’t had a lot of chances to throw this year, but she did a nice job … she kept them off balance and she threw really well,” said Provost.

TA, which has a roster that features six freshman, has struggled in the field at times this season – but on Thursday evening, the Trojans didn’t commit a single error.

“That was it, that was what we talked about. This right here is what we need going toward the playoffs. That was great defense all night long, I don’t think we made an error, the outfield played solid so we’re happy,” said Provost.

Deering struck first, getting on the board off an RBI triple from Cassidy Coyne in the first inning. TA retook the lead in the second inning on a two-run single from Hayden Campbell.

The Trojan offense took off in the third inning as well, beginning with a two-run triple from Kaya O’Connor. TA would then have four consecutive walked batters, scoring two on passed balls in the process, and taking a 6-1 lead.

The TA lead continued to build in the fourth as the Trojans added three more runs. Kaylee Burns scored from third on a passed ball, and later two more would score on a throwing error off a Shelby Ross grounder.

The fifth inning was TA’s most explosive offensive inning, scoring six runs in 11 atbats.

Hannah Collins would hit a two-run triple, while Louissa Colucci and Ross would add RBI singles. The Trojans would add two more runs on errors in the inning to secure the victory.

Deering coach Anthony DiBiase was impressed with TA’s offense.

“(TA had) patience, discipline and (they saw) the ball and stayed back. We need to be more prepared, respect that they can hit the ball and let the play develop,” said DiBiase.

As the season progresses, DiBiase feels his young squad is still a work in progress.

“We’re working on it, we have five freshman on the roster, three starting. We’re still young so we’re working on it,” said DiBiase.

DiBiase feels that his team needs patience moving forward, along with thick skin.

“We need more patience and batting. We can’t take things so personal, if we make an error we can’t get down on ourselves … we just need to go get the next one and have that next play be your play,” said DiBiase.

Provost would like to see his team continue to play well in the field as the playoffs approach.

“Defense, we need to play consistent defense and if we do that then we’ll be fine heading into the playoffs.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.