Pearl River softball goes 2-0 on Day 2 of Sun Chief Classic
GULF SHORES, Ala. — The Pearl River softball team had a successful day Saturday when the Wildcats beat both Coastal Alabama-East and Bishop State in the second day of the Sun Chief Classic.
"I think today was a great day offensively," head coach Christie Meeks said. "We had timely hits and did a great job of passing the bat. We are proud of how the girls finished on the day. That is definitely something we have been pushing for."
GAME 1: Pearl River 13, Coastal Alabama East 2 (6 inn.)
The Wildcats got the scoring started in the top of the second inning when McKall Holder (Hurley; East Central) hit an RBI single to put the Wildcats up 1-0.
Holder once again came up big for the Wildcats in the top of the fourth inning when she hit an RBI double and was followed up by another RBI double from Aunie Rethmeyer (Belle Chasse, La.) to put the Wildcats up 4-0.
Sydney Runnels (Seminary; South Jones) tacked on the last run of the inning with a fielder's choice to push the Wildcat lead to five.
Coastal Alabama was finally able to get on the board in the bottom of the fourth when they hit a solo shot but the Wildcats responded with a three-run bomb by Rethmeyer in the top of the fifth to extend the lead to 8-1.
Coastal Alabama responded in the bottom of the fifth with another run but the Wildcats slammed the door shut on the comeback attempt with a monstrous inning in the top of sixth.
Keigan Pearson (Carriere; Pearl River Central) smashed a three-run bomb that was followed up with a two-run homer from Payton Lee (Picayune; Pearl River Central) to put the Wildcats up 13-2 to run-rule Coastal Alabama.
Holder and Pearson both led the team in hits with three each.
"McKall killed it this weekend," Meeks said. "She was very confident in herself and her ability at the plate."
Rethmeyer led the team in RBIs with four.
"Aunie is so composed at the plate," Meeks said. "She went 2-for-4 with a double and a home run and both were right after an out. That's so important in extending the inning."
Lindsay Rose Sheffer (Lago Vista, TX.; Lago Vista) picked up the win for the Wildcats, going 4 1/3 innings, allowing five hits, two walks and one earned run while striking out two.
Hannah Embry (Vicksburg; Porters Chapel Academy) finished the game for the Wildcats in the circle, pitching 1 2/3 innings and allowing two walks while striking out two.
"I think our pitching staff worked together today to complete the job," Meeks said. "They are continually growing and that's huge."
GAME 2: Pearl River 5, Bishop State 3
The Wildcats stuck first in the contest in the bottom of the third inning when Pearson hit a two-run double to put the Wildcats up 2-0.
PRCC added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth when Abigail Thexton (Sumrall) plated a run on a groundout and Hannah Miller (Kokomo; West Marion) hit an RBI single to make it a 4-0 game.
Bishop State finally got on the board and mounted a comeback attempt scoring three runs in the top of the sixth.
The Wildcats were able to seal the win after Madi Waters (Laurel; West Jones) hit an RBI single and held on to secure the 5-3 win.
Pearson, Miller and Promise Shanks (Waynesboro; Wayne County) all tied for the team lead in hits with two each Pearson led the team in RBIs with two.
"Keigan went five for six with two walks, two doubles and a home run," Meeks said. "I bragged on her last night and how she was so confident in herself. She knows her ability and takes advantage of her opportunities. That's what it's about."
Embry picked up the win for the Wildcats with a stat line of 5 2/3 innings pitched allowing three hits, two walks and three earned runs while striking out five.
Danielle Lalonde (Cecilia, La.; Cecilia) finished the game for the Wildcats pitching 1 1/3 innings allowing three hits and striking out two batters.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats road schedule continues Tuesday when they head to Bishop State for a double header that starts at 1 and 3 p.m. No away fans will be allowed.
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