The Lady Maroon Tide lost 10-8 to East Central Thursday night bringing their season to an end.
The Lady Tide found the most success in the bottom of the fourth inning scoring four runs off singles from Rylee Dawsey, Marissa McDonald, Anna Breeland, Madyson Turnage and Megan Dudenhefer. Senior outfielder Allie Samples hit a triple in the fourth bringing in two runs.
East Central took control of the game early going into the bottom of the second inning up by two runs. Breeland’s first single came in the second inning, and was the only highlight of the inning for the Lady Tide.
Catcher Alyssa Pinero had two big outs for the Tide, her first coming in the top of the third inning off a bunt.
The Tide saw a pitching change in the top of the fourth inning from Megan Dudenhefer to Elizabeth Taggard.
East Central scored three runs in the fourth bringing the score to 5-0.
The Tide finally started to find a rhythm in the bottom of the fourth with McDonald hitting the first single, and Breeland, Turnage, Dawsey and Dudenhefer all following suit. The Lady Tide were able come within one run of East Central by the end of the fourth bringing the score to 5-4.
East Central scored two runs in the top of the fifth off two doubles and a single, making the score 7-4.
McDonald led off for the Tide in the bottom of the fifth inning with a single up the middle. Breeland and Turnage also singled in the fifth. McDonald scored the only run of the inning for the Tide bringing the score to 7-5.
East Central took a commanding lead in the sixth scoring three runs putting the score at 10-5.
Pinero and Dudenhefer had back-to-back base hits to start the bottom of the sixth inning. Later, Taggard hit a single to right field putting runners on first and second. McDonald was next at bat with a walk, that loaded the bases. Left fielder Sarah Walker was next up with a single, which brought in Dudenhefer making the score 10-6. Breeland followed with a double, bringing in McDonald and ending the sixth inning with a 10-7 score.
East Central got three quick outs in the top of the seventh, bringing the Lady Tide back up to the plate.
Turnage led off in the bottom of the seventh with a base hit. Pinero and Dudenhefer once again hit back-to-back singles putting runners on first and third. Taggard was next at bat with a base hit to left field bringing in Turnage and making the final score 10-8.
After the game, head coach Kristi Mitchell expressed how proud she was of the whole team, especially seniors Anna Breeland and Allie Samples.
“I am most proud of my seniors, because they are unique,” Mitchell said. “Both seniors had roles to play this season, and they played those roles better than any seniors I have ever had.”
Mitchell was confident in her team going into this season, and she has no doubt they will be better next season.
“I expect a mature, focused, determined team to show up tomorrow, and start preparing for next season,” Mitchell said.
In other playoff action, the Picayune baseball team defeated South Jones Thursday night in game one of the second round with a final score of 1-0. Game two took place Friday night, and if there is a need for a third game it will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. in South Jones.
The Pearl River Central Blue Devils fell to East Central Thursday night with a final score of 9-1. This brings the Blue Devils’ baseball season to an end with a final regular season record of 17-8 and 9-0 in district play.
The lady Blue Devils also ended their playoff run Thursday night losing to George County 3-0. The team had a final regular season record of 19-7, and 4-0 in district play.
The Poplarville lady Hornets began their second round of playoffs Friday night taking on North Pike in game one. Game two will be played Saturday at 1 p.m. in North Pike.