By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle's 13-15 Dixie Belles All-Stars got off to a good start in post season competition by defeating Underwood 2-1 in the opening round of the Northwest District Tournament at Underwood Saturday night.
The win advanced Hartselle to the third round of play where they were scheduled to meet the winner of a second round game between Muscle Shoals and Central of Florence on Tuesday night. The winner of that contest will advance to Friday's championship round.
Hartselle scored both of its runs in the top of the first inning by sending six players to the plate. Olivia Golden walked, stole second and moved to third on Lindsey Romager's grounder to second base. Katie Gentle knocked in Golden with a double, Meaghan Gray drew a walk and both runners advanced on a passed ball. Gentle scored on Leah Robinson's grounder to shortstop and Gray moved to third. A strikeout ended the rally.
Underwood scored its only run in the bottom of the seventh inning on a single, a stolen base and an infield error. A strikeout ended the game with the tying run on third base.
The host team also had a rally going in the bottom of the fifth inning but was unable to score. Breanna Riley, the starting pitcher, returned to the mound with the bases loaded and one out. She was able to shut down the threat with back-to-back strikeouts.
Riley was credited with the win, She gave up a run on one hit while striking out eleven batters and walking none. Abby McHugh pitched one and one-third innings, giving up four hits, striking out two and walking none.
Gentle's double and a single by Laken Hamilton were Hartselle's only hits.