Cox’s Left Arm Is Right Against Hoover

GLENDALE â€”  The question of the day concerned the condition of Jodie Cox’s arm.

By way of an answer, Quartz Hill High’s sophomore left-hander pitched a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts and the Rebels defeated Hoover, 1-0, in the first round of the Southern Section Division I softball playoffs Friday at Hoover High.

Cox’s command performance came her first time out since missing the last three games of the regular season because of tendinitis in her left elbow.

“I was worried about whether it was going to be able to last, but it felt OK during the game and it felt good at the end,� Cox said.

“I was concerned I might not be able to come back at all this year, but I was hoping, so I took care of it the last couple of weeks. I laid off it for awhile just to take care of it and try to get ready for the playoffs.�

Consider her ready.

Cox (14-4) struck out the side in the first inning and recorded at least one strikeout in every inning except the second. She allowed a third-inning single to Evelyn Crowder and a single by Karla Nanne in the fourth. She walked three.

Quartz Hill (18-7) struggled against freshman right-hander Cori Herbert, who pitched a five-hitter with 10 strikeouts. But Herbert (17-8) walked five batters and one proved costly for the Tornadoes (18-9).

The Rebels left 11 runners on base, but managed to push across the only run of the game in the third inning when Cox drew a leadoff walk and scored from first base on a one-out double to right field by Amber Slaton.

“They got the hit when it counted, so I think they deserved to win,� said Herbert, who was upbeat despite the defeat. “I think we had a great season. The whole season doesn’t revolve around one game.�

Quartz Hill’s fortunes revolve largely around Cox and the Rebels reveled in her return.

“She’s very important to us,� said Slaton, who collected three hits for the Rebels.

“It’s great to have her back. She brings the team up. She’s such a great player.�

Quartz Hill will play host to Camarillo in the second round on Tuesday. Camarillo, ranked No. 3 in the region by The Times, defeated Palmdale, 9-1, on Friday.