Big inning big trouble for WCHS: Riverdale scores 3 in first on way to 4-1 district win

By DALE STUBBLEFIELD / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Warren County catcher Cassie McGinness puts the tag on a Riverdale baserunner to record the final out of the third inning in Tuesday’s District 7-AAA contest at WCHS. (Dale Stubblefield photo)

Tuesday the Lady Pioneer softball team took on Riverdale at home in a District 7-AAA match up. A big first inning by the Lady Warriors gave Riverdale a 4-1 win over the Lady Pioneers.

The Lady Warriors drew blood in the first inning posting three runs on the board. A single by the leadoff batter and a bunt put runners in scoring position, then a passed ball and a error by Warren County gave Riverdale its first run.

With runners on the corners a base hit scored one with one out and left runners at first and third. Riverdale tried to steal second but Lady Pioneer catcher Cassie McGinness threw out the runner as the runner on third scored to give Riverdale a 3-0 lead.

The Lady Pioneers’Jasmine Ware led off the second with a bunt down the first base line. Tara Wood moved Ware to second with another bunt, then Ware moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a throwing error by the Riverdale catcher. Riverdale got out of the inning without any more damage as Warren County trailed 3-1.

In the top of the third Warren County pitcher Alex Mullican let her defense do the work as the Lady Pioneers allowed two hits but kept Riverdale off the scoreboard, recording the third out on a play at the plate. In the fifth Riverdale once again put two runners on with singles, but the Lady Pioneers got out of the inning without any damage being done.

Warren County had a chance to score in their half of the inning when Erica Warren singled. Candace Stubblefield hit into a fielder’s choice and then moved to second. A passed ball moved Stubblefield to third with two outs, but Riverdale picked up the strikeout to get out of the inning.

The Lady Warriors added one run in the seventh when their leadoff batter reached on an error. Riverdale laid down three straight bunts and an error scored the Lady Warriors’ fourth run of the day. Warren County recorded the next three out but the damage had been done. The Lady Pioneers went down in order in the bottom of the seventh to give Riverdale the win.

Mullican, a freshman, got the start on the mound for the Lady Pioneers. Mullican worked four innings giving up six hits, striking out one and giving up no walks.

“This was a disappointing loss. We had a terrible first inning and let Riverdale have three runs. It’s just like the last three or four games, we dig a hole and have to fight our way back. This team is much better than that and the team deserves better than what their giving themselves,” said coach David Upton.