Caleb Suggs

Hartselle Enquirer

The Hartselle and Austin softball rivalry has been one of the best in North Alabama this year, even if it has been a little lopsided. The Lady Tigers and Black Bears have met three times already this season and each game has gone down to the wire. However, the Black Bears have found a way to come out on top each time. Hartselle looked poised to finally pull the win off this time, until a late grand slam completely turned the game around.

Hartselle struck first as Kalli Cartee hit an RBI single to drive in Kylie Winton and give the Tigers a 1-0 lead. Meanwhile, rising sophomore pitcher Morgyn Sparkman proved her worth by working out of several jams in the game. The first came in the first inning as Austin put runners on second and third thanks to hits from Bria Smiley and Erin Claborn. Sparkman was able to strike out Austin’s Kelsey Self to end the inning.

The next jam came in the second inning as Austin again had two runners on base, but this time with one out. However, Asia Garth lined out to Sparkman who then proceeded to throw out the shocked runner at first base to end the inning with a double play.

Sparkman pitched a tough game but the Black Bears once again found a way on top in the fifth inning. Austin loaded the bases thanks to singles from Brylee Yarbrough and Lexy House and an error. Bria Smiley then proceeded to blast a grand slam that put the Black Bears on top 4-1 and turned the tide of the game. Austin went on to win the game 4-1 and earn the class 6A area 15 championship. Both teams advanced to the regional tournament in Huntsville

Erin Claborn picked up the win in the game while Morgyn Sparkman took the loss. Claborn allowed seven hits and one run with two strikeouts in seven innings pitched. Sparkman allowed nine hits and four runs with two strikeouts in six innings pitched. Kalli Cartee led the Tigers with three hits and one RBI while Bria Smiley led Austin with two hits and four RBIs.