News-Times Staff
EL DORADO - Senior Tristen Lewis legged out an infield single with two outs in the seventh to drive in the game-winning run Tuesday as El Dorado edged Magnolia 4-3 at the El Dorado Recreation Complex. The Lady Wildcats improved to 12-8 on the season.
With the game knotted at 3-3, Kelsey Howard beat out a drag bunt for a single. Howard stole second before moving to third on Allyson Silmon's ground out. Lewis followed with a hard-hit ground ball past a diving third baseman. Magnolia's shortstop field the ball in the hole but couldn't get off a strong-enough throw to catch Lewis at first as Howard crossed home with the winning run
"She's been our leader at the plate all season," El Dorado coach Chris Ezell said of Lewis. "She just stepped up when we needed her to. It's Senior Night."
Silmon was 2-for-4 at the plate with a stolen base. Howard had a hit and two stolen bases. Marissa Rice was 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly and two RBI. Payton Scarlett had a hit and stole a base and courtesy runner Janecia Peterson stole two bases.
Grace Hargett pitched seven innings for the victory.
"Magnolia has been very good. They actually beat Lake Hamilton a week ago. So, we knew it was going to be a game going into it. Our girls were ready tonight. This was probably the most complete game we've played, offensively and defensively, and it's a time of the year for that to happen going into the playoffs," said Ezell.
"We've been coming up short against quality opponents. We've played a tough schedule. We've come up short on a few of those games. Tonight, we showed a little more mental toughness. We were able to come from behind and tie the game up and then come up with the win at the end."