By Michael Lindsay
The Gordonsville Tigerettes are firing on all cylinders with postseason play underway as they defeated Clay County 11-0 in 5 innings on Wednesday behind a no-hitter from Kailey Plumlee.
“I thought we played pretty well,” said Gordonsville coach Randy Jennings, who is leading Gordonsville while Jonathon Bush is away from the team. “Kailey pitched pretty well, and when she does that we’re pretty good. We swung the bats well and scored several runs early to take the pressure off. I’m proud of the girls, and hopefully, we can carry it on.”
Plumlee struck out 14 batters in 5 innings while surrendering no hits and 2 walks during Wednesday’s District 7A tournament win. Gordonsville racked up 11 hits, led by center fielder Abby Brinkley who went 3-3 with 3 runs scored, an RBI and 3 stolen bases. Bailey Stewart hit a solo homer as well.
Gordonsville hit the ground running as they scored 3 runs in the bottom of the first inning.
“Any time you can get a lead early, that’s a bonus,” Jennings said. “The other team’s feeling the pressure and playing catch-up. It’s always good to score early, and I think we’re a really good team defensively.”
A Kelsie Watts grounder scored Brinkley to start the inning, followed by a 2-out error by Clay County to score Christina Ray and Watts.
Gordonsville tacked on 2 runs in the bottom of the second and Stewart’s homer in the bottom of the third to lead 6-0 heading to the fourth inning.
The Tigerettes put the game out of reach in the fourth as the scored 5 runs in the frame to take a commanding 11-0 lead over Clay County. Singles from Roberts and Adalyn Stafford drove in runs while a passed ball and error allowed 2 Tigerettes to reach safely.
Plumlee ended the contest in the top of the fifth inning as all 3 outs came via strikeout to seal the 11-0 victory.
Gordonsville has advanced to Thursday’s District 7A championship at 1 p.m. The Tigerettes will face the winner of Red Boiling Springs vs. Clay County, which takes place at 11 a.m.
