Prestonsburg, Ky. — In the first round of the 15th Region softball tournament Lawrence Co. ( 22-7 ) run ruled Pikeville 16-1 in four innings on Monday at Stonecrest Sports Park.
Gracie Preece hit her third home run of the year and second in two games.
Jada Patton went 3-3 with a double, one RBI and scored three times, Addalyn Woods went 2-2 with a double, four runs batted in and two runs scored, Bree Jones doubled, drove in one and crossed the plate four times, Leah Branham doubled and drove in two runs, Ella Smith singled, drove in one and scored once, Brinley Baisden singled and scored a run, Emalynn Kitts scored two runs, Lexi Crum and Aleaha Gillispie scored a run each.
Jada Patton was a menace on the base paths vs Pikeville
Taylor Blevins earned the win in the circle for the Dawgs with four innings of work, allowed one run, three hits and struck out four Panthers.
The Dawgs will face Belfry in the semifinals on Tuesday at 6:00 after the Pirates beat Johnson Central 5-1 in the second game Monday.
Bree Jones dives to touch first base to record the out vs Pikeville.
In the third game Monday Shelby Valley eliminated Paintsville 16-6 in six innings.
In the last game of the first round Monday it was Pike Co. Central beating Floyd Central 4-0.
Pike Co. Central and Shelby Valley will play the second semifinal game Tuesday at 8:00.
Addalyn Woods has battled injuries throughout the season but has been able to continue her steady play.
Bulldog Head Coach Sam Sparks
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… We did a good job of getting people on and then getting them in with a ground ball out or a sacrifice fly. We really did all of the little things to get the win. It probably wasn’t our best effort but it was good enough.”
“… Taylor ( Blevins ) will be the first to tell you that she wasn’t as sharp as she wants to be but again she did enough and we did enough to get us to the next game.”
“… Last two or three weeks Gracie ( Preece ) has been driving the ball. She has been getting extra work in the cage as well and that has helped. Good to see her get hot at the right time.”
“… Johnson Central and Belfry will be a challenge whoever we play. Central is Central and Belfry has one of the best pitchers in the region in Molly Fahm.”
