PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth High School girls’ softball team beat Barrington 6-2 in a Division II home game on a brisk afternoon Wednesday, April 8.

Since dropping its season opener to South Kingstown, 8-5, Portsmouth has won four straight games to move into second place in Division II, just behind undefeated Lincoln.

Against Barrington, senior pitcher Mia Ruggieri struck out 11 and allowed just two runs as the Patriots scored five runs in the first inning.

“We have a good group of players that are a lot of fun to be around,” said head coach Josh Mello. “Our players love the game of softball and have been working hard every single day to improve.”

“Mia is a smart pitcher, strategically,” he said. “She is an Endicott College commit and can dominate and hit her spots. She can really make a pitch when we need it to get us out of an inning. She is also a solid offensive player as well.”

Portsmouth went on to beat North Providence on the road Friday, 9-1.

Next games

The Patriots were scheduled to play Ponaganset at home Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. They will travel to Burrillville for a 4 p.m. game Friday, April 17, and then host North Kingstown at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18.