Parsons powers Lee County to first win under Spencer

LEESBURG — New Lee County softball coach Hannah Spencer picked up her first victory Thursday night, and Brylyn Parsons came within one hit of making it even more memorable.

Parsons finished a single shy of hitting for the cycle, blasting a three-run home run while helping lead the Lady Trojans to a 9-6 victory over Columbus at Lee County High School.

The win evened Lee County’s record at 1-1 after the Lady Trojans dropped a heartbreaking 8-7 decision at Perry in Wednesday’s season opener.

Columbus grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning before Lee County answered with three runs in the bottom of the third to take control.

Porter Butler ignited the rally with an RBI double to left field, scoring the tying run. Tina Benton followed with a single before Makinley Duke lifted a sacrifice fly to left to plate Butler. Benton later scored on a Columbus error off the bat of Mac Davis, giving the Lady Trojans a 3-1 advantage.

Lee County never trailed again.

Parsons supplied the biggest blow in the fifth inning.

After tripling in the second inning and singling in the fourth, the Lee County shortstop crushed a three-run home run to left field, extending the Lady Trojans’ lead. She finished 3-for-3, falling just a double short of the cycle.

Butler matched Parsons with a 3-for-3 performance and drove in a game-high four runs while stealing two bases.

The Lady Trojans pounded out 10 hits in the victory.

Duke earned the win in the circle, allowing four runs on six hits over five innings while striking out three. Benton worked in relief to help secure the victory.

Columbus collected nine hits, led by Emily Balauitan, Lexi Winchester and Grace Scott, who each had two. Mya Wiggins drove in two runs for the visitors.

The victory marked the first for Spencer since taking over the Lee County program and provided an encouraging response after Wednesday’s one-run loss at Perry.

The Lady Trojans return to action Tuesday when they travel to Colquitt County.