Lady Jackets win “Battle of Morgan County”

By Terry Futrell

Coalfield pitcher Anna Smith picked the right time to throw a no-hitter as the Lady Jackets battled Morgan County rival Wartburg Central in the final game of the losers bracket of the District 3-A softball tournament Friday evening. Coalfield defeated Wartburg handily, earning a 13-0 victory and the opportunity to play Harriman for the district championship. The win also secured a berth for the Lady Jackets in regional play.

Coalfield  teammates backed up Smith with error-free fielding in the game, as well as by amassing 14 hits. Malachi Armes led the Lady Jacket offensive charge, hitting three-for-three and scoring three runs. Mackenzy Morgan, Anna Smith, Lindsey Maston, and Leeah Henry each had two hits in the game.

Smith struck out eight Lady Bulldogs in the game while walking only one. Madelyn “Bit” Cox was the losing pitcher for Wartburg. Cox pitched three innings, giving up 13 hits and 12 runs. Cox walked two Coalfield batters and recorded no strikeouts. Sydney Aytes pitched in relief for Wartburg, giving up one hit and one run, as well as one walk. Aytes also struck out one batter.

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