By Staff Reports

 

Ellaville – Before the season started, Schley County Head Coach Jody Sellars told the Americus Times-Recorder that Marion County was the team to beat in their region. The Lady Eagles proved that as their starting pitcher, Britney Foster, gave up two runs on four hits and struck out five to help hand Schley County a 4-2 defeat on Tuesday, August 28, at Schley County High School.

Schley County starting pitcher Saige Whaley, like her counterpart Foster, pitched the entire game. Whaley gave up four runs on five hits, walked two and struck out two.

The Lady Wildcats held Marion County scoreless in the top of the first and scored the first run of the game in their half of the first inning. Alexis Bradshaw reached on an error by Foster. Bradshaw then stole second base to put herself into scoring position.

Carmen Phillips hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing Bradshaw to advance to third. Nyiah Kelley then hit into a fielder’s choice, allowing Bradshaw to score the first run of the game.

The Lady Eagles struck right back in the top of the second when Madison Murray belted a home run over the centerfield wall to tie the game at 1-1.

Marion County scored two runs in the top of the third inning. Breanah Miller led off the inning by reaching on a pop fly that was mishandled by Whaley.

A single by Marion County and an error by Schley County resulted in the Lady Eagles taking a 2-1 lead. The Lady Patriots scored on another RBI single to extend their lead to 3-1.

Schley County got one run back in the bottom of the fourth inning. Foster walked Emily Campbell and then Campbell stole second base. Campbell then stole third base and Foster walked Saige Whaley, putting runners at the corners for Schley County with nobody out.

Perri DeVane then singled, driving in Campbell to put the Lady Wildcats to within two at 3-2.

Marion County added another run in the top of the fifth to double their lead again at 4-2.

Neither team scored in the sixth, and Schley County was able to hold the Lady Eagles scoreless in the top of the seventh.

Unfortunately for Schley County, they were unable to generate any offense in the bottom of the seventh. Landon Whaley popped out in foul territory. Jade Sellars flew out to right field and Tamia Kelley flew out to left field to end the game.

One thing that proved very costly for Schley County was that they committed five errors, while Marion County only committed one.

Nyiah Kelley and Carmen Phillips each went 1-for-3 at the plate. Kelley scored one of Schley County’s two runs. Tamia Kelley went 1-for-3. Perri DeVane went 1-for-3 and Emily Campbell went 1-for-1 in the game for the Lady Wildcats.

Schley County will try to get back into the win column when they host Mount de Sales Academy on Wednesday, August 29. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.