Stranded runners and a persistent Bear Grass offense brought the East Columbus Lady Gators’ hopes to advance in the state 1A high school softball playoffs to an end Tuesday night.
Coach Larry Williamson’s Lady Gators (15-8) lost 2-0 to Bear Grass in the second round of the playoffs.
East Columbus left two runners on in the first inning. “We threatened in the first,” Williamson said.
But Bear Grass struck early. Their leadoff hitter, who reached after being struck by a pitch and advanced to second base off a grounder to third, scored off a Lindsey Shaw double.
On the mound, Shaw left the Lady Gators frustrated. Twice more she left runners stranded at second base.
The Lady Gators’ Jessica McPherson (6-4) was credited with the loss, pitching five of the six innings. Jena Britt came in for relief in the sixth inning.
Bear Grass added another run to their tally in the fifth inning. Their leadoff hitter, who stood at third after a single and two sacrifice flys, scored off an East Columbus error.
Getting hits for the Lady Gators were Morgan Patrick, Alicia Freeman and Caitlin Lane.
| E. Columbus | 000 | 000 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | |
| Bear Grass | 100 | 010 | X | 2 | 4 | 2 |
WP: Shaw LP: McPherson