Local softball roundup, March 16-21: Phil Campbell’s Bullington sets new AHSAA record in rout of Red Bay
Here’s a look at the softball action from teams around Franklin County:
Tuesday, March 17
Tharptown 10, Haleyville 9
Extra innings were needed to decide this one. After falling behind 2-0, Tharptown tied the game up in the fourth before the two teams traded three runs each to make it 5-5 and take the game to extras. In the top of the eighth inning, the Lady Wildcats scored five runs on a Haleyville error, RBI singles from Paisleigh Carr and Lexi Little, and a two-run double by Cadence Kennedy. Up 10-5, Alyssa Fischer, who pitched all eight innings for THS, fought back the Lady Lions who managed to plate four runs in the bottom half of the inning but couldn’t tie the game back up. Only three of the nine runs Fischer surrendered were earned. Offensively, Kennedy led Tharptown with two RBIs and Carr and Gabi Johnson came around to score twice.
Marion County 7, Vina 6
Vina 11, Marion County 6
Led by a three-RBI performance from right fielder Olivia Crum, Vina found a win in the second game of a doubleheader against Marion County. The Lady Red Devils, thanks in large part to RBI doubles from Harliegh Ridge and Crum and an RBI triple by Kenzie Elrod, scored nine runs in the bottom of the first of four innings to take a 9-4 lead. VHS then added two more runs in the third on RBIs by Braxtyn Quinn and Crum. Lana Bell pitched all four innings for Vina, allowing six runs (one earned) on three hits while striking out six Marion County batters.
Russellville 2, West Point 1
Behind solid pitching performances from starting pitcher Taitum Bishop and relief pitcher Kaylee Suggs, Russellville eked out an important area win over West Point in extra innings. The low-scoring game need eight innings to determine the winner, both teams making runs a premium. Russellville drew first blood in the top of the third inning, making it 1-0 via an RBI triple by Bri McCulloch that scored Blevyn Sappington from third base. The hosts later tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth on a solo homer, and that’s what the score remained until RHS found the go-ahead run. After taking third base on a wild pitch, Russellville’s Sadie Odom came home to make it 2-1 following an RBI line drive to left field from McCulloch. Suggs, who came in to relieve Bishop to start the sixth inning, sat the West Point lineup down in order in the bottom half of the inning, securing the win for the Lady Golden Tigers.
Colbert Heights 19, Phil Campbell 0
Belgreen 8, Red Bay 5
After falling behind 5-2, Belgreen scored six unanswered runs in the sixth and seventh inning to earn a comeback victory over county foe Red Bay. Thanks in part to RBIs from Kyla Blackburn, Mikayela Jackson, and Hadley Griffin, the host Red Bay enjoyed a three-run advantage after five innings of play, but the visitors cut their deficit to one run with a two-run sixth. Belgreen completed the comeback in the top of the seventh, first tying the game due to an RBHS error before taking its first lead, 6-5, via an RBI groundout by Bryn Scott that scored Randi Terry. BHS tagged on two more insurance runs later in the inning thanks to a sac fly from Caleigh Lawson and an RBI single by Mackinley Hogan. Zoey Blaxton and Brooklyn McGaughy combined in the circle for Belgreen, allowing three earned runs between them. Red Bay’s starter, Charley Lindley, tossed all seven innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits while striking out eight batters in the loss.
Thursday, March 19
Belgreen 2, Sulligent 0
Phil Campbell 23, Red Bay 12
The visiting Phil Campbell Lady Bobcats routed county rival Red Bay in the mid-week contest, outhitting the Lady Tigers 22-9 to earn the team’s third win of the season. Phil Campbell, led by a record-breaking seven-hit day at the plate from center fielder Chaley Bullington, finished particular strong, scoring 17 of its 23 runs in the last two innings. Bullington, in addition to her seven hits that set a new AHSAA record for hits in a game, drove in a game-high six runs from the leadoff spot and came around to score five runs herself. Other notable offensive performers were second baseman Mckenzie Kratz, who drew four walks and scored four runs; third baseman Addi James, who recorded four hits and two RBIs; left fielder Madison Baker, who drove in two runs on four hits and came around three times; and pitcher Tinlee Parker, who had a three-hit day. The starting pitcher Parker was credited with the win after tossing four and a third innings and allowing three runs on seven hits. James finished the game for PCHS in the circle in relief, allowing five earned runs on two hits. For Red Bay, the Tigers were led offensively by McKenna Young, who went 3-for-4 with an RBI and two runs scored. Starting pitcher Charley Lindley was handed the loss after allowing 11 runs on 10 hits through five and a third innings.
Lawrence County 17, Russellville 1
Lynn 10, Vina 9
Friday, March 20
Belmont 10, Red Bay 3
Belgreen 5, Falkville 4
Saturday, March 21
Phil Campbell 12, Tremont 1
Florence 8, Belgreen 4
Lexington 9, Belgreen 7