Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — Keeping the batters off-balance kept Gallipolis off the scoreboard.

Jill Hairston pitched a two-hitter as the Rock Hill Redwomen blanked the Blue Angels 3-0 on Monday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Hairston struck out four and walked only one as Rock Hill posted its 20th win against only one loss on the season.

“Jill did an awesome job of keeping them off-balance and our defense made some plays tonight,” said Rock Hill coach Sam Gue.

“Any time you’re able to hold a team to two hits, you’re putting yourself in a great position to succeed.”

Rock Hill broke the scoreless tie with two runs in the bottom of the third inning.

Kaci Russell led off with a double and went to third on Jenna Lane’s ground out. Hairston reached on a fielder’s choice with Russell getting back to third base on the play.

Hairston stole second but Makenzi Harrah hit hard shot to third base that caught Russell in a rundown leaving runners at first and second.

But Riann Keating came through with a clutch two-run double.

Rock Hill added an insurance run in the fourth.

Anna Darby singled but was forced out on Kelsey Olderham’s ground ball. Russell was hit by a pitch and Lane singled home Olderham.

“Gallia made some great defensive plays to stop a few rallies as well. Give them credit. But Riann came up with a huge two-run double with two outs to get us on the board and then Jenna had a big RBI single the next inning,” said Gue.

Russell and Lane each went 2-3 for Rock Hill.

Blaike Roberts and Kimberly Edelmann singled for Gallipolis.

The Redwomen host the South Point-Fairland winner at 5 p.m. on Friday in the Division III sectional tournament finals.

Gallipolis 000 000 0 = 0 2 1

Rock Hill 002 100 x = 3 6 1

Hunter Copley and Jenna Meadows. Jill Hairston and Riann Keating. W-Hairston (K-4, BB-1). L-Copley (K-2, BB-1). Hitting-Gallia: Blaike Roberts 1-3, Kimberly Edelmann 1-2; RH: Kaci Russell 2-3 2B, Jenna Lane 2-3 rbi, Riann Keating 1-3 2B rbi-2, Anna Darby 1-2.