Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

ASHLAND, Ky. — Soooo close.

The Chesapeake Lady Panthers had scored two runs in the seventh and had two runners on only to fall short in their upset bid of the Ashland Kittens on Friday.

Ashland was able to make a three-run lead stand up for a 4-3 win.

“We played well and had a chance to win it,” said Lady Panthers’ coach Aaron Rice. “We gave up two runs in the fourth on a couple of errors that hurt us. But it was a good team effort. The girls played hard and didn’t quit.”

The Lady Panthers took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Ryleigh Swann singled, Katy Spears walked and Jordan Storms had an RBI single.

Ashland (10-18) tied the game in the bottom of the first on a solo home run by Zoe Ingram.

The Kittens went up 2-1 in the second.

Lauren Spears singled, Ingram walked and Sydney Campbell singled in the run.

Ashland scored two unearned runs in the fourth inning that proved to be the deciding runs.

Maddy Greene walked, Spears was safe on a dropped infield pop-up and Ingram singled for a run. A dropped fly ball scored Spears.

Then came the Chesapeake rally in the top of the seventh.

Ashley Tackett was safe on an error, Swann singled, an error moved the runners up and Brooke Webb had a two-run double. After a walk, Ashland pitcher Mykayla Akers was able to work out of the jam.

Swann was 3-4 to lead the Panthers.

The Lady Panthers host Fairland at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Div. III sectional tournament and Ironton on Wednesday in a league game.

Chesapeake            100            000            2            =            3            6            2

Ashland            110            200            x            =            4            6            2

Brooke Webb and Katy Spears. Mykayla Akers and Sydney Campbell. W-Akers (K-5, BB-3). L-Webb (K-4, BB-6). Hitting-Chesy: Ryleigh Swann 3-4, Brooke Webb 1-4 2B, Jordan Storms 1-3, Chloe Handley 1-3; APB: Zoe Ingram 2-3 2-RBI HR, Lauren Spears 1-4, Sydney Campbell 1-3, Mykayla Akers 1-4, Mega Atkins 1-3.