Mattie Maxey slides safely into second after stealing second base in the bottom of the first inning. She went 1-for-3 on the night. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
UNIONVILLE — It’s tough to beat a team five times in a season—especially your backyard rival.
Although the Community held four wins over Forrest this season, including a win in the District 9-2A championship, the Purple and Gold wasn’t able to come up with key plays to limit Lady Rocket base runners, despite getting just the start they wanted in Wednesday afternoon’s Region 5-2A championship.
Forrest connected on three home runs, highlighted by a fifth-inning, three-run bomb by Ella Chilton, as the Lady Rockets beat Community 8-5 for to claim the region title.
The Viqueens got just the start they wanted and knocked in a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning on RBI singles by Taylar Wessner and Gracie Daniel.
A third run scored in the bottom of the second on a Forrest error and the Viqueens had a comfortable lead by the end of the second frame.
“It’s never easy with Forrest. I felt like we came out, got up on them and put it in cruise control. There was no sense of urgency. We have to be better with that. They’ve got hitters, but the problem is when we don’t make plays and they’re hit
Haylee Webb successfully lays down a bunt to advance runners into scoring position in the bottom of the third inning. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
ting three-run home runs and two-run home runs and that’s where you get in trouble. That’s the part we have to get better at,” Viqueen coach Cam Farrell said.
Forrest then cut the Community lead to one run off a Emory Hall solo homer and a second r
Anna Haskins bolts for first base and legs out the throw to safely reach. She went 2-for-4. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
un scored off a Community error.
Still, the Viqueens hung onto a one-run lead by the end of the third inning.
That score held, although the Lady Rockets continued to put the ball in play and relied on small ball to get runners on base.
Although the big hit eluded Forrest in the fourth inning, Chilton delivered a three-run blast to put the Lady Rockets up 5-3.
With two outs and trailing by two in the bottom of the fifth, the Viqueens showed some resiliency and plated a pair of runs.
Annie Prince doubled to deep left and scored Haylee Webb and then courtesy runner Alana Clark scored on a passed ball to knot the game at five.
Prince, who got the start in the circle for the Purple and Gold, was relieved after scoring five runs, prompting Farrell to turn to Wessner to work in relief.
“They kind of got on her (Prince). We have another kid who pitches and pitches well. We had to mix it up. They’ve seen Taylar one time and she beat them then, but they brought their sticks and we didn’t. We just didn’t put anything together,” Farrell added.
Forrest added three more runs off a solo homer and a two RBI double to bump the lead to three runs.
Forrest’s Haddie Van Patton went 2-for-4 with three RBIs to lead the Lady Rockets.
Anna Haskins and Prince both doubled to lead the Purple and Gold.
Prince went five innings and gave up five runs, only one of which was earned, on six hits while striking out four batters.
Wessner worked two innings in relief and was charged with three earned runs on three hits, while striking out three batters.
Forrest pitcher Taylor Moreland went the distance for the Lady Rockets and gave up five runs on eight hits, while striking out five.
Although Wednesday night’s Region 5-2A championship ended with the Lady Rockets claiming the title, Farrell feels the loss can be a wake up call prior to the Class 2A state sectional.
“I think it’s going to wake them up a little bit and get them to realize we have to show up and everybody has to do their part,” he said.
Community now will travel to Region 6-2A champion Camden Central, who defeated Huntingdon 11-4 on Wednesday night.
“We like playing on the road. We just have to show up and show out and be locked in,” Farrell said.
Forrest 002 031 2 — 8 9 1
Community 210 020 0 — 5 8 2
Forrest: Ella Chilton 1-for-4, Allie Dillon 1-for-1, Maddy Chilton 1-for-3, Haddie Van Patton 2-for-4, Emory Hall 1-for-4, Megan Dunn 1-for-4, Hailee Warren 2-for-2.
Community: Anna Haskins 2-for-4, Mattie Maxey 1-for-3, Taylar Wessner 2-for-4, Gracie Daniel 1-for-4, Haylee Webb 1-for-4, Annie Prince 1-for-3.
WP: Moreland
LP: Prince
