Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

PEDRO — The Rock Hill Redwomen have a lot of wins this season, but they made their league-clinching victory one they won’t forget.

The Redwomen clinched at least a share of the Ohio Valley Conference title with a 6-5 win in nine innings over the Portsmouth Lady Trojans on Wednesday.

“Our kids were pretty resilient tonight. Portsmouth jumped out on us pretty well and had a big inning. Coach (Kristen) Bradshaw does a great job,” said Rock Hill coach Sam Gue.

“The girls just kept battling back, though, and wouldn’t go away. Sissy’s home run in the bottom of the second was a huge answer to their big rally in the top half. It was able to keep us within striking distance.”

“Sissy” is Anna Darby who belted a home run after Riann Keating was hit by a pitch and Lily McGinnis singled.

Portsmouth had scored all five of its runs in the top of the second.

Eliza Gullett singled, Baleigh Bradley had a sacrifice and Wesleigh Jackson doubled her home. Lauren Delabar singled and Shaby McKinley reached on a throwing error.

Andi Queen singled for a run, Bailey Horsley singled and Semajah Parker hit a two-run double to cap the rally.

Rock Hill got two runs in the sixth to tie the game.

Jill Hairston started the inning with a single, Makenzi Harrah was hit by a pitch and McGinnis singled but Hairston was thrown out at home.

Darby grounded to third base and interference was called on the play. Madison Harper then hit a clutch two-run single.

In the bottom of the ninth, Taylor Hall reached second base on an error. Kaci Russell sacrificed Hall to third, Lane was hit by a pitch and Hairston beat out an infield hit to load the bases.

Harrah then lined a singled down the line to drive in the winning run.

Hairston went the distance to get the win. She struck out 10 and walked one.

Russell and McGinnis each went 2-4 and Hairston was 2-5.

Gullett was 3-4 for Portsmouth while Horsley, Parker and Sharia Kearns all went 2-5.

Rock Hill hosts Fairland on Thursday.

Portsmouth 050 000 000 = 5 12 1

Rock Hill 030 002 001 = 6 10 1

Andi Queen and Bailey Horsley. Jill Hairston and Riann Keating. W-Hairston (K-10, BB-1). L-Queen (K-4, BB-2). Hitting-PHS: Sharia Kearns 2-5, Andi Queen 1-4 rbi, Bailey Horsley 2-5, Semajah Parker 2-5 2B rbi, Eliza Gullett 3-4, Wesleigh Jackson 1-4 rbi 2B, Lauren Delabar 1-4, Shaby McKinley 1-4; RH: Kaci Russell 2-4, Jenna Lane 1-4, Jill Hairston 2-5, Makenzi Harrah 1-3 rbi, Lily McGinnis 2-4, Anna Darby 1-4 HR rbi-3, Madison Harper 1-4 rbi-2.