BULLDOGS MAKE FINAL FOUR OF KY. STATE SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT AFTER COME FROM BEHIND 3-2 VICTORY
Lexington, Ky. — Freshman Jada Patton hit a three run homer in the 7th inning and Lawrence Co. held on for a 3-2 victory over Taylor Co. in the quarterfinals of the State Tournament Sunday at John Cropp Stadium.
Jada Patton lets out her emotions after crossing home plate.
In a scoreless game Taylor County got a two out two run single in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 2-0 lead.
Abby Maynard makes a nice diving catch in foul territory to record the out.
In the top of the seventh Senior Abby Maynard lead off with a sharp single, after a Bulldog fly out for the first out, Senior Bree Jones singled to right field that moved courtesy runner Braylee Triplett to second, that brought Freshman Jada Patton to the plate and she sent the first pitch of the at-bat into the netting of the scoreboard to give the Dawgs a 3-2 lead.
Taylor Blevins was once again magnificent for the Dawgs in the Dawgs quarterfinal win.
In the bottom of the seventh Taylor Co. drew a walk to lead off the inning and then bunted her over to second and brought the leadoff hitter to the plate. Bulldog ace Taylor Blevins buckled down and induced a fly out to Patton for the second out and then fielded a grounder and fired to Jones for the final out and secured a spot in the state semifinals next weekend.
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Click for video of last out
Taylor Blevins earned her 21st victory of the with a complete game six hitter, allowed two earned runs, walked two and struck out five Cardinals.
Emmalyn Kitts had two hits against Taylor Co.
Freshman Emalynn Kitts had two hits including a triple, Seniors Gracie Preece and Abby Maynard had two hits each, Jada Patton hit her team leading sixth homer and drove in three, Bree Jones singled and scored a run, Leah Branham and Addalyn Woods singled, Braylee Triplett scored a run.
The Bulldogs ( 26-7 ) will advance to the semifinals for the first time in school history and face 7th Region Champ Assumption ( 33-6 ) at 1:00on Friday afternoon at John Cropp Stadium.
The first semifinal on Friday morning at 10:00 will feature 11th Region Champ Scott Co. ( 27-6 ) vs Region 2 and defending state champion Henderson Co. ( 33-6 )
The State Championship game is slated for Saturday afternoon at 3:30.
Shortstop Addalyn Woods makes a nice running catch in short center field.
Bulldog Head Coach Sam Sparks
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Once again so happy for our kids and our community. Little ole county schools don’t get to do this very often. Next week will be with three blue bloods of our sport. And that just shows you how resilient they are. They steeped up huge in big moments tonight like they have all year long. We will be underdogs next Friday but I will tell you one thing we will show up and give everything that we have and do the best that we can. I’m so happy for our kids, a lot of these girls had dads that played for LC and it was only a matter of time before we would break through for something like this. Happy for everyone involved.”
“… We talked about walking the Ray girl in the sixth inning and didn’t but give her credit she came through for them to give them the two run lead. Obviously we regret not walking her in that situation.”
“… Big time leadoff by Abby ( Maynard ) to get it started, I knew Bree ( Jones ) was going to come through and then I’m not sure I have the words to describe Jada Patton at this moment. She always steps up in the big moments, so happy for her. She a real humble girl and for her to perform on this stage the way she has if she didn’t have the attention of the Division 1 coaches I’m sure she does now.”
“… After getting the lead Taylor ( Blevins ) went right back out there and did what she has done for the last five years. I’m so glad she is on our team. Her and our defense has kept us in the game and then we get timely hits and walk away a winner. We will wake up a week from now and realize what they have accomplished but first we are going to practice this week and then Friday look the Rockets of Assumption up and give them everything we got.”
Congrats!! Also glad to see Coach Sparks be on this stage as well. Coach Sparks has spent his life working with youth and high school sports and is very deserving to be on this stage. Great example of good things will come to good people!