By Michael Lindsay
Tuesday’s battle atop the District 7-3A softball standings went to the home team as the Upperman Lady Bees defeated DeKalb County, 2-1.
Both teams entered Tuesday’s contest tied for first place and undefeated in district play.
“It took a little while for us to get going,” said Upperman coach Dustin Williams. “DeKalb County is extremely talented and very well-coached. We knew this was going to be a heavyweight fight.”
Upperman pitcher Reece Kimmel struck out 7 batters while surrendering 5 hits, 3 walks and only 1 run in seven innings.
“I can’t say enough about Reece Kimmel,” said Williams. “I love our defense, and it starts in the circle. She’s been a tremendous leader.
“You can’t ever discount what Kirra Hancock does behind the dish,” Williams added. “She’s a four-year starter and a brick wall back there.”
Zayleigh Bain led the Tigerettes at the plate as she went 2-3 with a run scored and five stolen bases. Kora Kilgore recorded nine strikeouts while surrendering 2 hits, 2 runs and 4 walks for DeKalb County.
All the damage was done in the third inning as DeKalb County opened the frame with a Graci Randolph grounder to score Bain. Upperman responded in the bottom of the third inning with two runs as a Kimmel single to right scored Kloee Garret followed by an Addy Harris bunt to score Addison McElhaney, giving Upperman a 2-1 lead.
DeKalb County threatened with bases loaded in the top of the fourth inning, but a Kimmel strikeout kept the Tigerettes off the board.
DeKalb County had the game-tying run at second base in the top of the seventh inning before another Kimmel strikeout ended the Tigerettes’ comeback hopes as Upperman won by a 2-1 final score.
Up next for DeKalb County is a district contest at White County, while Upperman’s next game is scheduled for Thursday against the Warriorettes.
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