By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

PEDRO — This game had a little of everything. And it had just the right things for the Rock Hill Redwomen.

Sami Nixon pitched well and Chelsea Harper had the game-winning run batted in as Rock Hill beat the Fairland Lady Dragons 2-1 in nine innings on Wednesday to clinch at least a share of their second straight league title.

“It was an exciting game. Both teams played outstanding. It was one of the best ballgames I’ve seen played,” said Rock Hill coach Mary Jane Harper.

“Sami pitched fantastic and we got the clutch hit. We played good team ball. It was a team effort.”

With the win Rock Hill clinches at least a share of the OVC title at 8-1. Overall the Redwomen are 14-5.

Rock Hill can win the league outright with a win at home on Friday against South Point.

“We got one of our goals. Now we just want to go Friday and play good ball,” said coach Harper.

Fairland is 12-5 and 7-2 in the league.

Nixon gave up six hits, struck out eight and walked one. Fairland’s Chandler Fulks also gave up six hits and walked a batter.

Rock Hill took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Lindy Simpson doubled, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Brooke Eastham.

Fairland tied the game in the fourth on a double by Chelsey Stanley, Jaimie Phillips’ sacrifice bunt and Mackenzie Riley’s base hit.

Brooke Eastham doubled to start the ninth inning and courtesy runner Brooklyn Kingery went to third on Morgan Damron’s single. Damron stole second but Phillips caught a line drive and turned the catch into a double play.

However, Harper came through with a clutch singled to score Kingery with the winning run.

Fairland 000 100 000 = 1 6 0

Rock Hill 001 000 001 = 2 6 1

Chander Fulks and Chloe Stanley. Sami Nixon and Brooke Eastham. W-Nixon (K-8, BB-1). L-Fulks (K-0, BB-1). 2B-Fairland: Chelsey Stanley, Mackenzie Riley; RH: Lindy Simpson, Brooke Eastham. Hitting-Fairland: Chelsey Stanley 1-4, Mackenzie Riley 2-4, Ellen Hinshaw 1-3, Chloe Stanley 2-3; Rock Hill: Morgan Damron 1-4, Chelsea Harper 1-4, Kenzi Martin 1-3, Kaelynn Ellis 1-3, Lindy Simpson 1-3, Brooke Eastham 1-2