Softball RoundUp: Lee Co. sweeps Houston; Terrell Aca., Worth Co. win

LEESBURG — Two days after Houston County ended Lee County’s 17-game winning streak, the Lady Trojans answered in the most convincing way possible.

Lee County swept the Lady Bears in a Thursday doubleheader that stretched until nearly 10 p.m., winning the opener 7-4 on Kennady Patrick’s walk-off home run in the eighth inning before pulling away for an 11-3 victory in the nightcap.

The sweep improved Lee County to 19-2 and gave coach Hannah Spencer the response she wanted after Tuesday’s 6-1 loss in Warner Robins.

“I wasn’t satisfied with how we competed and our approach at the plate on Tuesday,” Spencer said. “Tonight we turned it around. That’s what you want to see from your team — fight and compete until the very last pitch.”

Patrick provided the defining moment.

Houston County carried a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning before Jaydynne Frisbee delivered a two-out, pinch-hit single that helped Lee County pull even.

An inning later, Patrick launched a three-run homer over the left-field fence, ending a tense opener and touching off a game-winning celebration.

“Kennady ‘KP’ Patrick is a senior who hit a three-run walk-off home run,” Spencer said. “Both of these kids have worked for moments like this, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Both of them earned that moment, and our whole team earned that win.”

Lee County built its initial 3-0 lead in the third. Porter Butler walked and scored when Tina Benton drove a ball over the center fielder’s head for an RBI double. Makinley Duke followed with another run-scoring double, and Patrick added an RBI single.

Houston County pitcher Allie Hutto hit a two-run homer in the fourth and later drove in the tying run. Callie Bradley’s seventh-inning RBI single then put the Lady Bears ahead 4-3.

Benton went the distance for Lee County, allowing four runs — only two earned — on six hits over eight innings. She worked around eight walks and repeatedly escaped trouble, including leaving the bases loaded in the second.

Patrick finished 2-for-2 with four RBIs, while Butler collected three hits and Duke added two.

There was considerably less drama in the second game.

Houston County scored in each of the first two innings, but Lee County took control with four runs in the second and six more in the third.

Butler tripled home two runs during the third-inning eruption. Benton followed with a two-run homer to center, and Brylyn Parsons added a two-run shot to left.

Izzy Evans, Frisbee, Parsons and Benton each had two hits as Lee County finished with 12. Parsons and Benton drove in three runs apiece.

Sophomore Reese Watkins earned the victory, allowing three runs — one earned — over five innings. She struck out five without issuing a walk.

“Reese Watkins showcased just what she’s capable of on the mound,” Spencer said. “I was happy to see her compete in a big game and carry her team as a sophomore. That’s exciting for the future.”

Lee County (19-2, 12-1) hosts Coffee (13-7, 9-3) on Tuesday. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.

Terrell Academy overwhelms Deerfield-Windsor

ALBANY — Terrell Academy erupted for 16 runs in the second inning and defeated Deerfield-Windsor 18-1 in three innings Thursday.

The Lady Eagles combined seven hits, eight walks and several Deerfield-Windsor errors to turn the game into a runaway.

Lily Addison led the attack with two doubles and four RBIs. Jaelynn Oliver and Harlee Sheffield added two-run doubles, while Hadley Webb contributed an RBI single.

Caroline Presley pitched all three innings for Terrell Academy, allowing one unearned run while striking out three and walking none. The Lady Eagles also played error-free defense.

Emily Phillips, Anna Beth Brady, Reynolds Bryson, Millie Champion and Marin Anthony each had a hit for Deerfield-Windsor. Anthony drove in the Lady Knights’ run.

Terrell Academy improved to 9-5 and will host Tiftarea in a region game Thursday in Dawson. Deerfield-Windsor fell to 3-10 and will travel to Macon for a region game against Central Fellowship on Tuesday.

Rucker fans 17 in Worth County shutout

AMERICUS — Austyn Kate Rucker struck out 17 batters and allowed only one hit in Worth County’s 8-0 victory over Sumter County on Thursday.

Rucker went all seven innings as the Lady Rams improved to 18-2 overall and remained unbeaten in region play at 7-0.

Kamryn Kendrick led Worth County’s 14-hit attack with two doubles, a single and four RBIs. Laurie Pritchard opened the scoring with a first-inning sacrifice fly, and the Lady Rams steadily added to their lead over the next six innings.

Kayelee Mathews, Pritchard and Isabelle Hancock also finished with multiple hits.

Worth County will visit Crisp County on Tuesday and Berrien on Wednesday.