By Staff
Lady Tigers too much for Buckhorn; team places third at Gulf Shores Tournament
Nick Johnston, Hartselle Enquirer
Once the Hartselle Lady Tigers started connecting at the plate in the fourth, Buckhorn never had a chance.
Hartselle, fresh off a third place finish at the Gulf Shores Tournament last week, beat the Lady Bucks 8-1 behind the strong pitching of Jessica Lyle.
Lyle pitched five innings, gave up no runs, three hits and two walks while striking out three for the win.
Lyle had help from reliever J.J. Lawrimore in the sixth and seventh, as Hartselle stayed true to its winning ways.
Lyle and Buckhorn starter Sam Landman appeared to be in a pitcher's duel until the fourth, as the Lady Tigers hit Landman with five runs on five hits.
Leading 1-0 after Ashley Jackson scored on a sacrifice fly in the third, Jodie Coffey doubled to lead off the fourth. Allison Lyle doubled home Coffey and later scored on an error, as Hartselle took a 3-0 lead.
Jackson then singled home Robin Halbrooks from third, and later scored her second run of the night on Regan Sandlin's triple.
Sandlin scored the innings' final run when Jessica Lyle singled, giving Hartselle a 6-0 lead.
Sabrina Roberts provided a single to score Allison Lyle in the fifth inning, while Halbrooks scored her second run on a wild pitch, as the Lady Tigers led 8-0 heading into the sixth.
Lawrimore struck out two in the sixth inning before giving up Buckhorn's only run of the night. Danielle Wallace scored from third on a fielder's choice to make what would be the final score.
* In Junior Varsity action, Shanice Johnson went 3 for 3 with a home run, as the JV Lady Tigers won 18-3.
See Hartselle, B-2