ROBINSON CREEK – Pikeville took an early four-run lead against Shelby Valley and the Lady Panthers went on to win their fourth straight 59th District tournament championship with an 8-4 victory in a game that took nearly two and one-half hours to play Thursday night.
Winning pitcher Emily Ford struck out 11 batters and third baseman Kendal Hall blasted the eventual game-winning, three-run homer in the sixth to help the Lady Panthers improve to 25-11. Ford had two hits of her own and scored twice while Hall singled earlier in the first inning and scored.
Ginna Jones had a pair of hits, including a two-run single in the first inning and Emily Adkins doubled home one run.
Losing pitcher Lily Napier, who struck out 13, drove in a pair of runs as the Bat Kats dropped to 13-13. Taylor Newsome had two hits, including an RBI double in the seventh inning. Beth Werner walked twice and scored both times.
Both teams now advanced to the 15th Region tournament which begins Memorial Day at Floyd Central High School. Pikeville will face Belfry at 6 p.m. while Shelby Valley goes up against Lawrence County at noon.
At Robinson Creek
(59th District championship)
SCORE BY INNINGS: R-H-E
SV (13-13)….001 010 2 – 4-6-2
PK (25-11)….400 004 x – 8-9-1
Pitching:
WP – Emily Ford
LP – Lily Napier
Hitting: Lily Napier 1b, SAC, 2 RBI; Taylor Newsome 2b, 1b, 1r, 1 RBI; Beth Werner 2-bb, 2r, Shelby Valley. Kendal Hall HR, 1b, 2r, 3 RBI; Emily Ford 2-1b, 2r; Gina Jones 2-1b, 1r, 2 RBI; Emily Adkins 2b, 1 RBI, Pikeville.