Plumlee Strikes Out 17, Drives In 2 Runs As Gordonsville Defeats Smyrna At Cumberland University, 2-1

By Michael Lindsay

The Gordonsville Tigerettes (16-1) won their 12th consecutive game Monday afternoon as they defeated the Smyrna Lady Bulldogs, 2-1.

“We had to do some things we don’t always have to do,” said Gordonsville head coach Jonathan Bush. “We had to pitch hard and make plays for all seven innings, and that’s exactly why we come and play these games; to get ready for May.”

Monday’s showdown was a neutral-site game at Cumberland University in Lebanon.

“(Gordonsville freshman) Carlie Maynard’s mom played here, so we always try to do this,” said Bush. “I love it and think it’s so good for the kids. I went to school here, so I always like coming back to see everything.”

Senior lefty Kailey Plumlee earned the complete-game victory in the circle as she struck out 17 batters while surrendering only 1 hit. Offensively, Plumlee went 2-3 with a solo home run and 2 RBIs.

“We’ve put some people around Kailey so maybe people can’t pitch around her,” said Bush. “If you make a mistake, she just swings so hard through the strike zone.”

The Tigerettes struck first in the bottom of the first inning as Plumlee sent the second pitch she saw over the center field wall for a solo home run to give Gordonsville a 1-0 lead.

Smyrna answered in the top of the fifth with two outs as an error allowed a runner to score, tying the game at 1-1.

Gordonsville retook the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning as a Kat Johnson leadoff double followed by an RBI single from Plumlee gave the Tigerettes a 2-1 advantage.

Plumlee sealed the victory in the top of the seventh inning as she struck out all three Smyrna batters to secure the 2-1 victory.

“I wish we could do this kind of thing every day,” said Bush. “I’m proud of how they did today.”

Gordonsville takes Tuesday off before traveling north to Smith County on Wednesday for a non-district showdown with the Lady Owls at 4:30 p.m.