Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTORVILLE — Every game is a must-win game for the Fairland Lady Dragons, and they are responding well.

The Lady Dragons got a must-win to remain just one game back in the Ohio Valley Conference race as they edged the Chesapeake Lady Panthers 5-4 on Friday.

“We’re still in the (conference title) hunt. We’ve had our problems with them in the past. This is the first time in four years we’ve won both games with them,” said Fairland coach Joe Auxier.

Chandler Fulks got the win as she gave up six hits, struck out six and walked two.

Fairland (14-6, 7-2) took a 1-0 lead in the first when Molly Morris singled, moved up on a ground out and scored on Haley Woodall’s base hit.

Chesapeake took a 2-1 lead in the second when Melanie Noble reached on an error, Macy Allen walked and Jordan Porter smacked a two-run double.

Fairland took the lead for good with a four-run third.

Caitlin Stone and Fulks doubled for a run. Woodall and Chelsey Stanley singled for a run, Chloe Stanley was safe on an error as a run scored. Ellen Hinshaw then singled in the final run.

The Lady Panthers got within 5-4 with two runs in the fourth when Noble and Ali Ransbottom singled and Breanna Skeens hit a two-run double.

Chesapeake 020 200 0 = 4 6 4

Fairland 104 000 x = 5 11 1

Melanie Noble and Kelsey Huff. Chandler Fulks and Molly Morris. W-Fulks (K-6, BB-2, HBP-1). L-Noble (K-2, BB-0, HBP-1). 2B-Chesapeake: Jordan Porter, Breanna Skeens; Fairland: Caitlin Stone, Chandler Fulks, Haley Woodall, Chloe Stanley. Hitting-Chesapeake: Anna Mayo 1-4, Melanie Noble 1-2, Ali Ransbottom 1-3, Jordan Porter 1-3 rbi-2, Breanna Skeens 1-3 rbi-2, Carrie Brock 1-3; Fairland: Molly Morris 2-4, Caitlin Stone 1-4, Chandler Fulks 2-4 rbi, Haley Woodall 2-3, Chelsey Stanley 2-3 rbi, Chloe Stanley 1-3 rbi, Ellen Hinshaw 1-3 rbi.