Thursday softball
- Updated: March 30, 2023
With Calhoun County seeding meeting looming, Piedmont improves to 10-2 against county competition with victory over Oxford
By East Alabama Sports Today
OXFORD — With seedings for the Calhoun County softball tournament to be determined, Piedmont has carved itself a nice place in the discussion.
Savannah Smith struck out 10 batters en route to a four-hitter, and Armoni Perry tripled and drove in a run as the Bulldogs beat Class 6A Oxford 2-0 on Thursday at Choccolocco Park.
The county seeding meeting is Sunday at Wellborn High School, and Piedmont’s record against county competition stands at 10-2.
The Class 3A Bulldogs are 2-1 against 6A Oxford and 4A White Plains, 1-0 against 5A Alexandria, 1-0 against 4A Jacksonville and a combined 4-0 against 3A opponents Wellborn, Saks and Weaver.
Oxford (11-3) and Alexandria (16-12) are ranked in their classifications in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. White Plains (12-8) has been nominated for consideration in 4A.
Piedmont (15-7), having made the state tournament for the first two times in the program’s fast-pitch history over the past two seasons, is No. 5 in the 3A top 10. The Bulldogs won the White Plains Lady Wildcat Invitational, beating Oxford, Alexandria and White Plains along the way. Oxford also beat Piedmont in pool play.
Piedmont made the semifinals of the Hixson (Tenn.) High School tournament this past weekend.
“I am proud of how our team has been playing lately,” Piedmont coach Rachel Smith said. “We’ve had a lot of girls step up at big times and make plays to help us win games against some tough competition.
“We understand that we have to continue to improve and stay hungry. I really like this team and their work ethic. It’s a fun, competitive bunch.”
Piedmont also got an RBI from Abby Baird on Thursday, and Ava Pope had two of the Bulldogs’ six hits.
Kaelyn Crossley had two of Oxford’s four hits, including a triple.
CLEBURNE COUNTY 5, JACKSONVILLE 3: Kaden Pritchett went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs to lead the Tigers.
Cleburne County also got a hit and RBI apiece from Cori Austin and Humphries.
Carlee Hiett pitched a complete game, spreading seven hits over seven innings and striking out five batters with one walk.
Sara Kate Adams led the way for Jacksonville with a double, two RBIs and a run. Lacey Barnes went 3-for-4 with a triple and a run.
Carli Fritts struck out eight batters over seven innings and held Cleburne County to five hits but gave up five earned runs.
MUNFORD 16, TALLADEGA 1: Khloe Shears pitched two perfect innings, striking out all six batters she faced. Emma Gaither held Talladega to its lone run in two innings of relief.
Kastin Lathem went 5-for-5 with a home run. Chloe Pickette and Blair Darby added three hits apiece, and Jena Gaither’s two hits included a home run.
Cover photo: Piedmont poses with the trophy after winning the Lady Wildcat Classic. (Photo by Joe Medley)
You must be logged in to post a comment Login