CAITLIN REILLY had 3 hits and scored 4 runs in NR’s 8-0 win over Ipswich on Tuesday. The 5-1 Hornets visit Lynnfield on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. (Eric Evans File Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The North Reading High softball team won its second-straight game on Tuesday afternoon as they blanked guest Ipswich 8-0. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 5-1 overall and 2-1 in the Cape Ann League.

The Tigers, meanwhile, fell to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the CAL.

Pitcher Keely Hannon improved to 5-1 in the circle pitching six innings. She gave up one hit, no walks and she struck out 10.

“She changed speeds and kept their hitters off balance,” said Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman.

Emilia Yeakel pitched a scoreless seventh inning to preserve the shutout.

The Hornets scored single runs in the first, third and sixth innings while they tacked on five in the bottom of the fifth.

They had 11 hits overall, led by Caitlin Reilly who was 3 for 4 with four runs scored as she also reached on an error. Kristen Galvin and Jocelyn Ostrowsky were both 2 for 3 with one RBI each.

Yeakel and Maggie Schulz were both 1 for 1 with one RBI each.

Emily Cassarino had two sacrifice fly’s.

Last Thursday, during April Vacation Week, the Hornets won at Gloucester, 9-4, in a non-league game.

Hannon pitched a complete game in this one as the senior co-captain gave up four runs, 10 hits, three walks and she fanned five Fishermen hitters.

Gloucester scored single runs in the third and sixth innings while plating two in the bottom of the fifth.

The Hornets, who did not commit an error in the field, scored four times in the second, one in the third, two in the fourth and two more in the top of the fifth.

“Everybody contributed, which was nice to see,” said Zimmerman, as the team had only one multiple hitter.

That multiple hitter was Olivia Reilly who was 2 for 4. Alivia Heck and Hannon both had RBI singles in the second.

Ostrowsky had an RBI double in the third while Galvin had an RBI single in the fourth.

In the fifth inning, Cassarino and Schulz both had RBI singles.

The next game for the Hornets will be on April 25 as they visit rival Lynnfield at 4:15 p.m. They then welcome Newburyport on April 29 at 4:30 p.m.

On May 1, North Reading visits Rockport with that game starting at 4:15 p.m.