Hughes Springs prevails, 8-1, over Troup in bi-district
Apr. 25—CARTHAGE — Hughes Springs pitcher Addysyn Billings held Troup to one hit and struck out 15 to spur the Lady Mustangs to an 8-1 victory over the Lady Tigers in a winner-take-all Class 3A, Region II, bi-district game that was played at a brand new Carthage Lady Dawg Field Thursday night.
The Lady Tigers got on the scoreboard first by scoring a run in the bottom of the first inning, but the Lady Mustangs responded by plating eight unanswered runs in their march to victory.
Shiloh Sluder led off the first frame by drawing a walk and moved into scoring position by stealing second base.
Taylor Gillispie then reached base on a fielder's choice, which enabled Sluder to make it to third. Sluder would then score on a sacrifice bunt by MaKayla Spencer, which turned out to be Troup's only run of the game.
The Lady Tigers' lone hit of the evening came with one out in the seventh inning. Hannah Clearley poked a single into shall right field to spoil Billings' no-hit bid.
Annie Stonesifer led Hughes Springs by going 3-5 at the plate.
Freshman Carli Hays went the distance in the circle for the Lady Tigers.
Hughes Springs (21-11-1), the District 15-3A runner-up, advances to take on either Queen City or Quitman in the Area round next week.
Troup, the third place team out of District 16-3A, concludes it season with a 19-9 record.
Seniors Bailey Blanton and Sydnie Dickey played in their final game as Lady Tigers.
With four freshmen in the starting line-up Thursday, the future looks bright for Lady Tiger Softball.