In a battle for the top spot in the District 6-4A race, East Hamilton was able to hold off a final at bat rally by Bradley Central to stay atop alone with a 4-3 victory Tuesday, at Bob McKenzie Field.
East Hamilton (8-6, 3-0 District 6-4A) was supposed to play Cleveland Thursday, but that game has been bumped so the Lady Raiders can host a District 5-4A make up game with No. 6 Walker Valley.
Bradley (13-9, 3-2 District 6-4A) will make the short trip down I-75 to tangle with the Ooltewah (15-4, 1-1) in a 4 p.m. first pitch Thursday.
Although both starting hurler went the distance, it could hardly be called a "pitcher's duel" Tuesday as the teams combined for a dozen hits and 11 free passes, with only four of the runs being earned.
Neither East Ham's Yulai Woodruff nor Bearette Gracie Ownby gave up a run in the game's first four frames but the Lady 'Canes were able to get the goose egg off of the top of the scoreboard with a 3-spot in the top of the fifth.
Junior Bailey Porske stroked a two-run single to plate classmate Alana Johnson and sophomore Kirby Eller. Senior Jada Rutley, who went 3-for-4 on the night, singled and scored the other run.
The visitors were able tack on an insurance run in the top of the seventh when freshman Sarah Farris doubled in Rutley with what turned out to be the game-winner.
Bradley took advantage of some free passes, a couple of 'Cane miscues and some timely hits in the game's final at bat to almost pull off the comeback.
Sophomore Ma'Ryah Greenwood, Cleveland State signee Lynlee Hodge and junior Karly Farkas each reached and were able to complete the circuit, while junior Tori Cagle brought home the only Bearette RBI.
Junior Alliyssia Herbold and freshman Khloe Farkas both ripped doubles in the contest, while Hodge knocked a single for the only other Bradley hit.
While Woodruff struck out 11, she also walked seven and "plunked" the elder Farkas sister, whileearning the victory.
Ownby had a trio of Ks and gave up just three free passes, but was touched for nine hits, with freshmen Katherine Woody and Sarah Farris both with a two-base knock. Sophomore Kailyn Mendoza going 2-for-3.
GAME SUMMARY
District 6-4A
Tuesday, April 8
at Bob McKenzie Field
East Hamilton 000 030 1 — 4 9 2
Bradley Central 000 000 3 — 3 3 0
WP: Yulai Woodruff 7 IP, 11 Ks, 7 BB, 1 HBP, 3 hits, 1 ER. LP: Gracie Ownby 7 IP, 3 Ks, 3 BB, 9 hits, 3 ER. 2B: Katherine Woody, Sarah Farris (EH); Alliyssia Herbold, Khloe Farkas (BC). RBI: Bailey Porscke 2, Farris (EH); Tori Cagle (BC). RECORDS: East Hamilton 8-6, 3-0 District 6-4A; Bradley Central 13-9, 3-2 District 6-4A.
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