Darlington Softball One-Hit by West Florence
By Don Gearhart
Occasionally, you get good pitching and defense but just can’t score when the opposing team’s pitcher is dominant. Such was the case when the Lady Falcons from Darlington made the short trip to the campus of the West Florence Lady Knights.
Emily Johnson broke up the no-hitter in the top of the fifth, the second time this year she spoiled a no-hit bid. However, that was the only baserunner the Lady Falcons would have on the night.
West Florence scored the only runs they would need in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, Madi Dubose singled and Logan Moore was hit by a pitch. Paityn Daniels got an RBI when her base hit enabled Dubose to score. Ava Gainey’s sacrifice fly allowed Moore to cross the plate. Then three consecutive walks forced in a third run with Mia Boykin getting the benefit of the RBI.
In the fourth inning, the Lady Knights tacked on another run. Gainey led off with a triple and scored on a passed ball.
In both the fifth and sixth innings, Darlington executed double plays to eliminate any scoring by the West Florence squad.
Annie Ruth Elisason was superb in the circle for the Lady Knights allowing only the base hit by Johnson while striking out thirteen Darlington batters. The Lady Knights only managed five hits in the contest but benefited from some timely walks to aid their cause.
Brayli Weathford pitched excellent in relief allowing one run, two hits, with one walk and one strikeout.