SB: Lady Riders can't finish off Hudson, 11-4
Coming off its biggest victory of the season over state-ranked Carthage, the Center softball team continued its dominating play early on during Tuesday's home finale against Hudson. But the Lady Hornets, who remained tied with Rusk for third place in the District 18-3A race, took advantage of six CHS errors to record an 11-4 win at Lady Rider Field.
Center, which fell to 16-15 on the season and 6-7 in league play, will close out the 2010 campaign on Friday when the Lady Riders travel to Huntington. The junior varsity will get things started at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsity at 6:30 p.m.
The Lady Riders started off Tuesday's game hot, scoring three runs in the first frame and adding another in the second. Destiny Russell, who slammed a home run in the second, also added a single and a RBI.
But in the third inning CHS committed three errors and allowed four hits as the Lady Hornets scored five runs (three unearned).
"We just couldn't get it back after the third inning," Center Head Coach Christie Benton stated. "It just goes to show how important solid defense is."
Suzanne Peace added a double and a RBI, Ashley Schulz singled, Michaela Schulz drove in a run and added a single, Kaley Nichols, Kelsey Owens and Whitnee Tomlin each produced singles. Marnie Mize drove in a run.
Center produced its four runs on seven hits, while committing six errors. Hudson scored 11 runs on 10 hits and only suffered one error.
Cassidy Rainbolt worked in the circle for the Lady Riders. She gave up 10 hits, while striking out one. Only five of the runs allowed were earned.