Sumter County downs Westover, 15-6

ALBANY — Westover matched Sumter County at the plate Tuesday afternoon.

The difference came everywhere else.

The Lady Patriots collected five hits to Sumter County’s four, but the Lady Panthers capitalized on 18 walks and used a pair of big innings to pull away for a 15-6 victory in the season opener.

Westover took an early lead after Morgan Polite doubled home a run in the first inning to tie the game at 1-1. The Lady Patriots moved in front an inning later when Sydney Donaldson singled home a run, giving Westover a 2-1 advantage.

Sumter County answered with a game-changing third inning.

The Lady Panthers scored nine runs to erase the deficit and seize a 10-2 lead. Nazia Jones delivered the biggest hit of the inning with a two-run single.

Sumter County added five more runs in the fourth to stretch the lead to 15-2. Christina Battle highlighted the inning with a two-run single, while Isis Snipes and Christian Battle each drew bases-loaded walks to force in runs.

Westover continued to battle offensively, scoring four more runs, but could not overcome the early deficit.

Donaldson paced the Lady Patriots at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI. Polite, Chamya Astin, Abigaile Teasley, Lauren Edwards and Timeria Neal also drove in runs.

The Lady Patriots showed plenty of aggressiveness on the bases, stealing nine bases. Donaldson and Kenndia Miller each recorded multiple stolen bases as Westover repeatedly put pressure on Sumter County’s defense.

Despite being limited to four hits, the Lady Panthers took advantage of their patience at the plate, drawing 18 walks. Candace Pitts went 2-for-3 to lead Sumter County, while Pitts, Snipes, Christina Battle and Christian Battle each drove in two runs.

Astin took the loss for Westover after allowing 10 runs over 2 2/3 innings. Tadaisha Aldridge earned the win for Sumter County, giving up five hits and six runs — only two of them earned — while striking out four over five innings.

Westover will look to bounce back in its home opener Tuesday against Carver.