By Staff
It seemed as if all hope was gone. They were so excited after being up 9-4 in the final inning of play.
Only three outs were needed without allowing five or more runs to earn that “first win.”
Then, things went from excitement and joy to disbelief and sadness.
Escambia County scored six runs in the top of the fifth inning to take a 10-9 lead.
Then, in the bottom of the inning, with two outs, it seemed almost inevitable that they were bound for their seventh straight loss in their first season of softball.
But, just when all hope was gone, two strikeouts with two outs and two passed balls on the third strike put runners on base for the W.S. Neal Middle School softball team.
One run scored to tie the game at 10-10 and then the second run scored for the Lady Eagles, giving them their first win of the season with an 11-10 win Tuesday afternoon at R.T. Johnson Park in East Brewton.
And that they did - the girls shook hands with their opponents and then ran to left field where some hugging and cheering took place.
It didn't matter what the girls did or how they celebrated, they deserved the win. After being down 10-9 with two outs and coming back to win 11-10, they had the right to go crazy.
In their first season of middle school softball, eight of the 15 girls on the team had never touched a softball.
Even if the team wins no more games, Tuesday's win will stick in the girls' minds forever and will make up for all the previous losses. After falling behind 1-0 after a half inning of play, the Lady Eagles scored six first-inning runs to take a 6-1 lead. Escambia County scored three in the second inning to cut the lead to 6-4. The Eagles scored two in the third and one in the fourth to take a 9-4 lead.
In the top of the fifth, Escambia County scored six to take a 10-9 lead. The Eagles scored two in the bottom of the inning to take the 11-10 win.
Kaitlyn Hadaway took the win on the mound after coming in as relief for starting pitcher Jade Danley, who was injured in the bottom of the first at a play at home.
Lauren Boatwright was 2-for-3 with one RBI. Gracie Dixon and Christina Sturdivant both had RBIs in the game. Dixon's biggest RBI was the game-winner that scored Justice Hall from third.
Kristin Ball and Hall each had a RBI in the win.
Coach Ellington and coach Chuck Danley coach the girls.
On Thursday, the Lady Eagles ended their season with a 13-2 loss to T.R. Miller to end their season with a 1-7 record.
Congratulations, Lady Eagles on your first win and completion of your first season. Even though it may have seemed like a long year and not a great season, just think of the positives and it can only get better. Great job!
On a different note, I want to wish my beautiful wife Shari a happy birthday.
Good luck to all area teams in their games this week, and until Wednesday when we meet again, God bless.