Location and a little defense was all Jefferson City pitcher Krista Brickey needed.
The junior kept Rock Bridge off balance by hitting her spots as the Lady Jays defeated Rock Bridge 3-0 on Wednesday night at the American Legion Sports Complex.
"Outside pitches were working a lot, we were trying to keep them low," Brickey said.
Brickey scattered eight hits as the Lady Bruins got only two runners to third base in the game.
Brickey, who struck out three, said she saw the outside corner was being called for strikes. She adjusted accordingly.
"You find out what kind of gives and who's behind the plate," Jefferson City head coach Lisa Dey said. "From a hitters standpoint, and the pitching standpoint, you kind of pitch to what you think (the umpire) likes."
When Rock Bridge had chances to score, Jefferson City's defense snuffed it out.
After a two-out single by Shelbie Atwell in the third, Madison Wipfler lined a shot off the fence in left-center. But a perfect relay throw from Brooke Rozier to Dakota Newton to catcher Riley Hayes nailed Atwell at the plate.
"Right there you have to have two on-the-money throws," Dey said. "The time comes when it might not happen. They've practiced well, they've played well, they're more experienced. They know they're going to have to play some defense."
It was that way all night for Jefferson City, as the Lady Jays played nearly flawless defense. The Lady Jays needed that defense Tuesday as the Lady Bruins put runners on base in every inning except the first.
Jefferson City took advantage of a pair of Rock Bridge errors to plate their runs.
After Dakota Newton walked to lead off the bottom of the first, Taylor Dey laid down a bunt. The throw to first from the pitcher was wide, putting runners at first and third with no outs. Rozier, who had two hits, doubled to left three pitches later to put Jefferson City up 2-0.
The Lady Jays, who had just five hits, added another unearned run in the second. After singles by Katie Tambke and Darby Brundage, an errant throw on a pickoff attempt allowed Tambke to score from third, giving Jefferson City a 3-0 lead.
"The more runs we can put on the board is always an advantage, especially when teams are going to put the ball in play against us," Dey said.
Brickey has been a big part of Jefferson City's 4-0 start to the season.
"She's been great," Dey said. "She has pitched very well. She's pitched well, but behind her we've had really good defense behind us."
Breanna Logan took the loss for the Lady Bruins (5-3). She allowed five hits and struck out six in the complete game.
But the night belonged to Brickey.
"I told Riley two or three times up the lineup to mix it up, and she really did a nice job," Dey said. "She and Riley really worked well together, offspeed leaving them off balance. She threw a great game."
The Lady Jays are back in action Tuesday at home against Fatima.
Jefferson City won Tuesday's JV game 5-4. Jessica Lineback picked up the victory. Emily Williams had two hits while Megan Newton scored two runs for the Lady Jays.