WINNSBORO, Texas -- Melissa put up 5 runs in the fourth inning and run-ruled Pleasant Grove, 11-0, in a Class 4A, Region II semifinal softball playoff game at Winnsboro High School on Friday.
Lexi Snyder absorbed the loss, threw 6 innings, struck out 4, did not issue a walk, and gave up 11 runs on 15 hits. Snyder had 1 of the 4 hits for the Hawks with a single in the third.
Alex Starr got the win, tossed a 4-hitter over 6 innings, struck out 8, walked 1 and hit a batter.
Pleasant Grove juiced the bases in the fourth when Presley Humphrey was hit by a pitch, MJ Williams walked and Abby Runion hit a Texas Leaguer single to center. Cardinal pitcher Starr struck out the side to get out of the jam and keep it a 9-0 game going into the fifth.
Melissa doubled and hit 2 singles consecutively to put up 2 more runs in the sixth and claim an 11-0 advantage. The runs forced the Hawks to score at least 2 runs in the bottom of the sixth to avoid the run rule.
Rachael Wells slugged a solo home run over the left field wall to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead in the first.
Patsey Needham tripled down the right field line and Natalee Smith had a sacrifice fly RBI to pad Melissa's edge, 2-0.
Sarah Hackleman doubled for the Hawks and Abby Runion added a single.
The Cardinals added 2 runs in the third on 4 singles to take a 4-0 lead into the fourth frame.
Bryton Wright hit a 2-run round tripper to give Melissa a 9-0 lead in the fourth. The Cardinals scored 5 runs on 4 hits and took advantage of a Hawk error.