Heading into Tuesday’s rematch with the Charlton County Maidens at Patriot Field in Douglas, most of the CCA faithful were expecting a close game. Though the Lady Patriots had defeated the Maidens handily a week ago, Charlton had bounced back and defeated a tough Lanier County Lady Bulldogs squad – the same team that handed the Lady Patriots one of their three losses this season – 9-8 the day before.
Early on, the game looked like it might be a pitcher’s duel. CCA held a scant 2-1 lead after three innings. Both teams plated a run in the fourth, giving the Lady Patriots a 3-2 advantage after four innings.
Then CCA went to work, scoring three in the fifth and one in the sixth while holding Charlton scoreless over the same stretch. The Lady Patriots eventually won 7-2, improving to 11-3 overall this season.
With one out in the fifth, Emma Gourley doubled then moved to third on a single by Mattie Lewis. Klair Mercer followed with a single that scored both Gourley and Lewis (assisted by a Charlton County error on the play). Maci Rucker reached on another error, which allowed Mercer to score for a 6-2 CCA lead.
Arabelle Roberts led off the sixth with a single then stole second. Brilynn Waldron bunted and reached first safely. A bad throw sent her to second and allowed Roberts to score for the final run of the game.
Waldron, Gourley, and Roberts had two hits. Waldron drove in three while Mercer drove in two. Gourley doubled twice and Waldron hit an inside-the-park home run.
The duo of Peighton Harper and Shanley Meeks handled the pitching duties for CCA. Harper scattered four hits across five innings, giving up two runs (one earned) and striking out four to three walks. Meeks threw the last two innings, allowing one hit and striking out four.
The Lady Patriots don’t get much time to enjoy their second straight win over a GHSA school. They’re on the road this afternoon in Bellville against Pinewood. They return home Thursday for a 6:30 region game against Vidalia Heritage.
