ST PARIS – The morning started out with sunny skies that quickly turned to dark clouds as the Versailles Lady Tigers fell 12-1 to Graham on Saturday via run rule in the sixth inning.
In the top of the first inning, the Tigers seemed to have put their home defeat to Ansonia the night before behind them. Kristin Langston was able to score a run on a rare wild pitch from Graham pitcher Madison Bryant, giving Versailles the 1-0 lead – which didn’t last long.
The Graham Falcons started off their at-bat in the bottom of the first inning with a triple by pitcher Madison Bryant. Soon after, Versailles pitcher Lauren Heitkamp made an impressive play and threw a runner out at home. Two more runners landed on base with singles, which were then knocked in by a Ashton Curnutte single, giving the Graham Falcons a 2-1 lead.
The scored remained 2-1 into the third inning thanks to smart field play by Langston and Heitkamp and several deep catches by center fielder Hailey McEldowney.
In the top of the fourth inning, Versailles ended its at-bat with a runner on third. With few bats connecting, the Lady Tigers continued playing tight defense. Heitkamp made an impressive catch and throw out for a double play, ending the inning with three runners up and three runners out.
Just when it seemed as if any team could take the ballgame in their grasp with one play – the Falcons took flight and snatched it in their talons, scoring five runs in the fifth inning, four of which from a grand slam by Alyssa Theodore. When the inning ended, Graham had a comfortable 7-1 lead.
In the top of the sixth inning and still lethargic at bat, Versailles was unable to answer with three batters up and three batters out. The Falcons continued to soar, adding four runs – three from home runs – which ended the game in the bottom of the sixth inning via run rule 12-1.
Langston was had two singles with one run scored. Sarah Gigandet had the only other hit in the game for the Lady Tigers.
For Graham, Theodore had a grand slam, going 2-for-3 on the day. Allison Neeld had a home run, going 3-for-4 on the day with one RBI. Madison Bryant went 2-for-4 with a home run and a RBI. Lauren Brandibury went 2-for-4 with a home run to win the game.
Heitkamp had a rough outing, pitching six innings with 16 hits, 12 runs, one walk and two strikeouts.
Graham’s Bryant possibly had a better day pitching than she did batting, with six innings pitched 12 strikeouts, three hits, one unearned run and no walks.
Versailles fell to 13-9 while Graham improved to 15-7.
