News-Times Staff
HOPE - Lexi Gilbert’s three-run home run was the key hit in a four-run fourth inning that lifted Smackover to an 11-5 win over Murfreesboro Friday in the D-MAC Tournament in Hope. The Lady Buckaroos take on Bald Knob today at 12:30 p.m.
Abbi Crawford was the winning pitcher, allowing eight hits and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings. Only two of the five runs she surrendered were earned.
Smackover scored four runs in the first. Sabrina Estridge and Karli Goocher walked before Reagan Richardson reached on a fielder’s choice. Crawford doubled in a run and Gilbert’s sacrifice fly plated Richardson. Karis Robinson, who ran for Crawford, scored on a passed ball.
The Lady Rattlers scored two in the first but Smackover answered with three in the third. Richardson singled and Brooklyn Dees walked before Megan Mullins drove in three runs with a double.
In the fourth, Estridge, Goocher and Richardson all singled to score a run. After a fielder’s choice by Crawford, Gilbert stroked a three-run homer.
Gilbert was 1-for-1 with four RBI. Estridge was 2-for-2 with a double. Richardson had two hits and a RBI. Lydia Pullin was 2-for-3 and Mullins was 1-for-3 with three RBI.
Pullin had a key defensive play when, with a runner in scoring position in the first inning, she recorded the third out when she threw out the runner at first on what should’ve been a single to rightfield.
"We really hit the ball hard today," said Smackover coach Dennis Steele. "I thought Abbi pitched well again."
Smackover improved to 9-3 on the season.