Lady Lions fall short vs. Bloomburg, 4-2

Lady Lions fall short vs. Bloomburg, 4-2 Image

• Senior Ryleigh Redar (10) delivers a pitch during the Lady Lions' game against Bloomburg last Wednesday. Redar was one of three Lady Lions that played in their final high school softball game in the Lady Lions' 4-2 loss. Photo by DJ Spencer

Dj Spencer Sports Editor Tue, 04/30/2024 - 19:19 Subhead

Saltillo’s season comes to an end

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MOUNT PLEASANT — The Saltillo Lady Lions saw their season come to a disappointing end last Wednesday following a 4-2 loss to the Bloombug Lady Wildcats in their Bi-District playoff game at Chapel Hill Northeast High School. Though the game was close all game long, the Lady Lions weren’t able to come out on top, leading to a bitter loss.

The Lady Lions stepped up the plate first. They would go down in order after Ryleigh Redar hit a pop fly ball for an out, Lani Dean grounded out, and Harley Perez hit a pop fly ball for an out.

The Lady Wildcats then came to the plate, facing Redar in the circle. They were retired in order following a strikeout, a fly out, and a ground out, ending the first inning in a scoreless tie.

The Lady Lions went down in order to start the second inning after both Shelbi Ricketson and Jaylee Miller struck out, and Jordan Cartwright grounded out.

The bottom of the second inning started with a ground out and strikeout. Following a double, another strikeout closed out the second inning, as the scoreless tie persisted.

The Lady Lions once again were retired in order to begin the third inning, as Gabby Ross hit a pop fly ball for an out, Jasmine Alonso grounded out, and Jaelynn Miller struck out.

The bottom of the third inning began with a ground out. After a double and a walk, a runner caught stealing and a ground out ended the third inning, with the scoreless tie still in tact.

The fourth inning began with the Lady Lions once again going down in order, as Redar grounded out, and both Dean and Perez hit pop fly balls for outs.

The bottom of the fourth inning started with a single. Following a ground out, another ground out occurred, but a run was also scored, giving the Lady Wildcats a 1-0 lead. After a single, a line out ended the fourth inning, with Bloomburg in the lead.

The fifth inning began with Ricketson being walked, finally giving the Lady Lions a base runner. Ricketson was then substituted by Jamie Alverez at first base.

After Jaylee Miller grounded out, Cartwright hit an RBI single, bringing Alvarez home and tying the score at 1-1. Their turn would end after Ross struck out, and Cartwright was called out for stepping off the base.

The bottom of the fifth inning started with a pair of ground outs. Following a single, a pop out ended the innings with the score tied at 1-1.

The Lady Lions were retired in order to start the sixth inning, as both Alonso and Kenzie Pipkin grounded out, and Redar hit a fly ball for an out.

The bottom of the sixth inning started with the Lady Wildcats gaining two runners on a single and an intentional walk. Following a fly out, a 2-RBI single brought home two runs, as the Lady Wildcats pulled ahead 3-1.

After a walk and a strikeout, an RBI single led to another run, as Bloomburg extended their lead to 4-1. The next batter grounded into a fielder’s choice, leading to the final out of the inning.

The seventh inning began with Dean grounding out. Soon after, Perez hit a triple. Ricketson then hit a sacrifice RBI, bringing Perez home and trimming the score to 4-2.

Though another runner was gained when Jaylee Miller walked, the game ended when Cartwright grounded out, as the Lady Wildcats held on for a 4-2 win, ending Saltillo’s season.

As a team, the Lady Lions batted just 2 for 23 (.087) from the plate. Cartwright and Perez both recorded one hit each. Alvarez and Perez scored one run each.

Redar suffered the loss in the circle. Across six innings, she managed four strikeouts, allowing eight hits, four earned runs, and three walks.

With the loss, the Lady Lions’ season has come to an end. They finish the season as District champions and Bi-District finalists. This would also be the final high school softball game for three senior Lady Lions: Perez, Redar, and Ross.

The Lady Lions will look to improve in the offseason and make a deeper playoff run next year.