Central splits first two state games
Jadia Jones hit a two-out home run in the bottom of the seventh to extend Central’s season with a 2-1 win over Baker on Friday night in the AHSAA Class 7A state tournament.
Central trailed Baker 1-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth. After an out, Allison Shiver singled to left field, and Shelby Newsome sacrificed her to third.
Alexa Shiver doubled to left to tie the game at 1-1.
Jones’ blast in the seventh made a winner of Alexa Shiver, who pitched a complete game, allowing five hits and two walks.
Central dropped into the losers bracket earlier on Friday with a 7-2 loss to James Clemons.
Central took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first as Newsome was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.
After falling behind 3-1, Central scored a run in the top of the fifth. Jones walked, stole second and went to third on Allie Farrow’s single.
Jones scored on an illegal pitch.
Gracie Deaton gave up seven runs — four earned — on six hits and three walks.
The Lady Red Devils played Spain Park in another elimination game late Friday night. Central would need four more wins on Saturday to win championship.
State softball
Friday at Lagoon Park
James Clemons 7, Central 2
Central | 100 | 010 | 0 | — | 2 | 4 | 2 |
Clemons | 011 | 131 | x | — | 7 | 6 | 1 |
WP: Emily Jacklin. LP: Gracie Deaton. Top hitters: Central Allie Farrow 1-2, R. James Clemons Shelby Booker 2-4, R, RBI; Caroline Payne 1-3, R; Aubrion James 1-3, R, RBI; Jordan McMeans 2-3, 2R.
Central 2, Baker 1
Baker | 000 | 100 | 0 | — | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Central | 000 | 001 | 1 | — | 2 | 5 | 3 |
WP: Alexa Shiver. LP: Caitlin McRee. Top hitters: Central Jadia Jones 1-4, HR, RBI; Allison Shiver 1-2, R; Alex Shiver 1-3, 2B, RBI; Tatyana Harris 2-3.
This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 8:44 PM with the headline "Central splits first two state games."