Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PROCTROVILLE — Fairland started out slow, but a little 5th-Inning Energy drink was all the Lady Dragons needed.

Fairland scored seven runs in the fifth inning as they rallied to take the lead and went on to beat the River Valley Lady Raiders 9-8 on Wednesday.

“We started out real sluggish but settled down in the fifth inning with some hits,” said Fairland coach Mindy Clark.

Trailing 4-2, Mackenzie Riley had a three-run triple to key a seven-run fifth inning as Fairland took a 9-4 lead.

The Lady Dragons had 12 hits with Caitlin Stone going 3-for-4. Holly Ann Lunsford was 2-3, Olivia Adkins 2-4 and Mollie Morris 2-5.

Allison Shepherd gave up 12 hits but struck out six, walked four and hit a batter as she went the distance to get the win.

Clark said playing four games this week has taken its toll, but the Lady Dragons have battled through it.

“Mackenzie hit the ball real well. Allison stayed strong with her pitching. She has pitched a lot this week and has really stepped up,” said Clark.

“Olivia Adkins and Holly Ann Lunsford stepped up for us tonight and did exactly what was asked of them. It was great seeing them hit the ball. We just need to settle down and get away from the small errors that cost us runs that we give up.”

River Valley (10-15) had 12 hits with Chelsea Copley going 3-3 with three doubles.

Fairland plays at Portsmouth on Friday.

River Valley 020 204 0 = 8 12 x

Fairland 002 070 x = 9 12 x

Ashley Gilmore and Reilly Barcus. Allison Shepherd and Morgan Fridley. W-Shepherd (K-6, BB-4, HBP-1, H-12). L-Gilmore (K-4, BB-4, HBP-2, H-12). Hitting—RV: Chelsea Copley 3-3 rbi-2 3-2B, Ashley Gilmore 1-4, Katie Mares 2-3 rbi-2, Erin Morgan 2-3 rbi-2, Alexis Hurt 1-3 rbi, Amanda Eddy 2-3, Jessi Roush 1-3; FHS: Mollie Morris 2-5 rbi, Caitlin Stone 3-4, Allison Shepherd 1-2 rbi-2, Mackenzie Riley 1-4 rbi-3 3B, Olivia Adkins 2-4 rbi, Morgan Fridley 1-3, Holly Ann Lunsford 2-3 rbi.