GPS shook off some early nerves and a less than stellar start to score 11 runs on 11 hits for a run-rule victory over Pope John Paul II.
JPII started the game with a blooping single just beyond the out-stretched glove of a diving Kelby Crownover. That near miss was followed by another single, a runner interference out, and a walk. That left the bases loaded, with just one out. Senior pitcher Payton Leech hit the next batter, walking in a run, leaving the bases still loaded and the Bruisers trailing 1-0. But Leech regrouped, striking out the next batter, and getting a ground-out from the next to escape with only 1 run allowed. That 1 run on 2 hits would prove to be JPII's strongest offensive showing of the night.
The Bruiser bats were a little slow to warm up as well. Four of the first 5 GPS at-bats were outs, with Jackie Baird's hammered double to left center in the 1st being the only successful at-bat. But after Leech popped out to open the bottom of the second, Morgan Lane singled and Katie Dorris and Kourtney Kell walked to load the bases for GPS. Crownover's sharply hit grounder to short was mishandled, and Kell was able to beat the throw to second. Lane scored, and GPS still had the bases loaded with Tennessee signee Tory Lewis coming to the plate. Lewis would live up to her billing, smacking a bases-clearing line drive triple to right center giving GPS a 4-1 lead. Lewis would score on Madison Boyd's ground out to short. Baird flied out to end the inning, but the damage had been done, and GPS never looked back.
The Bruisers added another run in the 3rd and one in the 4th to lead 7-1. Lewis singled to lead off the 6th. She advanced to 2nd on a pass ball, then stole 3rd 2 pitches later, and GPS was primed for another offensive burst. Boyd's single scored Lewis bringing Baird to the plate. Baird hit a hard grounder to short and reached safely on a throwing error to 1st. The throwing error allowed Boyd to score and Baird to advance. In an attempt to get Baird as she advanced to 3rd, JPII threw the ball away again, allowing Baird to score and move GPS within a run of a game ending 10 run lead. Katy Richardson grounded out, then Leech doubled to right center. With Lane at the plate, Leech advanced to 3rd on a pass ball. She then trotted home for the game ending run on Lane's single up the middle.
The win earns GPS a day off tomorrow. On Thursday, GPS will face the winner of tomorrow morning's game between Baylor and St. Benedict. The Baylor/St. Benedict loser will play JPII tomorrow night in an elimination game.
Chattanoogan.com Game Story
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