The Ladycats scored 15 runs in the first inning on the way to winning 17-0 in three innings due to run-rule against the Lady Panthers.
Aledo was coming off a tough challenge in the bi-district round, taking three games to get past Birdville, with most of the games being competitive from beginning until end — which is not something the Ladycats have been used to since district play started. This game was more like those games than the edge-of-your-seat fest it was almost the entire time against the Lady Hawks.
The Ladycats got started right away. Delaney Rosser was hit by a pitch, later stole second base and then advanced to third base thanks to a fielding error trying to throw her out. Next batter Tempe Perry hit a ground ball to the shortstop that resulted in an error that drove in the first run.
After a walk and single loaded the bases, Kayleigh Martin was hit by a pitch to get one run in. Next batter Brooklynn Taloa then ripped a double to drive in two more runs. Brylee Gray followed with an RBI single.
Kellyn Overturff then cleared the bases, driving in two runs with a triple. Breleigh Mayer then drove her in with a double.
Following two quick outs, Kyleigh Pawlak drove in a run with a single, followed by Rylee Marx driving her in with a triple. Martin hit a single up the middle to drive her in. Martin advanced to second base on a passed ball before Taloa then drove her in on a double. Gray traded places with Taloa, driving her in with a double.
Following a walk, Mayer hit a fly ball into right field that resulted in an error that allowed both base runners to score. The next batter grounded out for out three, but Aledo was up 15-0 before Paschal had even batted. Everyone knew the game was done.
Still, Aledo kept playing. Tempe Perry got the start on the mound and struck out two of the three batters she faced.
In the second inning, Pawlak hit a one-out single and Marx drove her in with a double. Two batters later, Taloa drove her in with a triple as the Ladycats increased their lead to 17-0.
Paschal got its one base runner on to start the second inning after a fielding error at third base, but Perry struck out the next three batters as the game moved into the final inning.
Rosser got hit by a pitch with two outs. She later advanced to second and then third base on passed balls, but Aledo could not get her home as the next batter struck out.
Lily Heckathorn came in to pitch the final inning. After inducing two fly outs to the outfield, Heckathorn struck out the last batter on three straight pitches the batter swung and missed.
Aledo won easily 17-0 to continue its season.
Taloa led the team with four RBI as she hit a triple and two doubles during the game. Marx, Martin, Gray and Overturff all drove in two runs apiece. As a team, the Ladycats finished with 13 hits, with seven being extra-base hits.
In the circle, Perry allowed no hits, runs or walks while striking out five of the seven batters she faced. Heckathorn similarly allowed no runs or base runners while striking out the final batter in her one inning of work.
Coach Heather Myers knows her team never takes any opponent lightly, especially in a situation where it was win or go home.
"They were still able to play loose even though it was a back against the wall situation," Myers said. "They were joyful and up the whole time. I was impressed with maturity and demeanor tonight."
Aledo came out with an attacking mindset to start the game. Even with several pitches being off the mark, the Ladycats punished the pitches they did get.
"The first few at-bats I felt like we were getting jammed so I told them to get comfortable in the box because we made an adjustment forward when we are normally back in the box," Myers said. "I told them to scoot off the plate and get comfortable and then we started to see more barrel on the ball which is what we want. Even when we were mis-hitting the ball we were still finding spots, adjusting to the defense and stuff like that. I was proud of how they hit the ball. They didn't shy away, they stuck to the game plan and executed."
Aledo now waits to see who they will play in the regional semifinal round of the playoffs. The Ladycats play the winner of Monterey and El Dorado, who are scheduled to play on Saturday. The series needs to get played by May 9. Check our Facebook page for playoff information..
Ladycats 17, Paschal 0
RHE
Aledo (15)20 - 17 13 1
Paschal 000 - 0 0 3
Aledo offense: Brooklynn Taloa three hits, one triple, two doubles, four RBIs, two runs; Rylee Marx three hits, one triple, one double, two RBIs, three runs; Brylee Gray two hits, one double, two RBIs, two runs; Kellyn Overturff one hit, one triple, two RBIs, two runs, one walk; Kayleigh Martin one hit, two RBIs, two runs; Kyleigh Pawlak two hits, one RBI, three runs, one walk; Breleigh Mayer one hit, one double, one RBI; Tempe Perry one RBI; Delaney Rosser one run, one steal; Maddy Martinak one run, one steal; Autumn Gudel one run.
Aledo pitching: Tempe Perry (W) two innings, zero hits, zero runs, five strikeouts; Lily Heckathorn one inning, zero hits, zero runs, one strikeout.
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