BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOUISA — The Martin County Cal Ripken 12U Softball All-Stars traveled to Louisa to play in a tournament with Belfry, Johnson Central, and Lawrence County on June 19 and 20.
The following is a recap of last week’s tournament action:
Martin Co. vs Lawrence County – The All-Stars faced the hosts on the first night of the tourney. LC’s hitting proved to be too much for Martin County with an 18-3 win.
A hit zipped to Emily Mooney at second in the bottom of the opening inning. She beat the runner at first with Kiley Wright scooping it up.
The inning ended when Kenleigh Estep sprinted back for a wild pitch and pitcher Kenadi Fannin covered. Estep tossed it to Fannin for the tag out at home.
Fannin, Mooney, and Wright loaded the bases at the top of the second. The All-Stars could not convert and brought Lawrence back out.
With two runners on and one out, Fannin tossed in three strikes from the mound.
The third out came when a bouncer found its way to Estep at second. She gathered and threw to Mooney for the third out.
Down 12-0 to begin the third, Martin County gained some steam. Gabby Mann led off to first after she looked at a full count and took ball four. She would steal second on the next pitch.
With JaLynn McGinnis up to bat, the slugger doubled down the right side to drive in Mann and advance Haileigh Smith to third.
Harleigh Maynard continued the hot streak with a single to send Smith across home plate.
Maynard advanced to second when Kyla Bragg had a sacrifice hit that also scored McGinnis.
The All-Stars could not get enough runs in, though and would fall 18-3.
Martin Co. vs Belfry – At a 100-degree heat index, the temperature stifled the Cardinal All-Stars, and Belfry came away with a 15-0 win.
Kenleigh Estep and Kenadi Fannin were the lone hits for Martin County.
