by Mark Watson

SPORTS EDITOR

Tooele has not been the same since its one-run loss to Grantsville last week -- in a good way.

Since that fateful afternoon, the Buffs have won two games, scored 20 runs, allowed zero runs and have given up two hits. Tooele sits atop Region 7 standings with a 9-0 record.

On Tuesday they defeated Payson 10-0 and on Thursday they pounded Orem 10-0.

"Our players rededicated themselves after that loss. They've come out and are trying harder," said coach Barry Pitt. "We had a big talk about the importance of playing as a team. We've been working on our hitting and focusing on being smart when hitting."

On Thursday the Buffs were extremely intelligent at the plate with 10 runs on 10 hits.

Meanwhile, Lauren Folta fired a one-hitter and struck out 11.

"These girls are so competitive that when things go wrong they really work hard to correct mistakes," Pitt said.

Tooele got things rolling in the fourth inning on Thursday when Brittany Gonzales pounded a solo home run. That was only an appetizer for Buffs who feasted with five more runs in the fifth on three hits and two Orem errors.

Whitney Holt pounded a solo home run in the sixth and Kelsey Mendenhall ripped a three-run shot in the seventh to give Tooele a 10-0 victory.

Tooele faces a tough test today at home against Springville which is one game back of Tooele in the region standings. The Buffs play at Provo on Tuesday.

mwatson@tooeletranscript.com