The Rockbridge County High School softball team earned a 5-1 road win over local rival Parry McCluer to complete a sweep of the season series on Saturday afternoon in Buena Vista.
Sadie Moore struck out 12 and allowed just one hit, two walks and one unearned run to earn the win for the Wildcats (4-6), while Alysa Wheeler pitched for the Fighting Blues (4-10), striking out three while surrendering eight hits, no walks and five runs, three of them earned.
The rematch was much closer than their previous meeting on April 5 at RC, when the Wildcats had cruised to an 11-1 win in five innings.
On Saturday, PM took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Sophie Chittum hit a grounder and got to second base on an error, bringing home Logan Vest. The Wildcats then ended the inning by making a double play, with an out at first base and at home plate.
The Wildcats tied the game 1-1 in the top of the third when Brooke Hostetter scored on a sacrifice fly to center field by Page Wright.
PM recorded its lone hit in the bottom of the third when Jordyn Hostetter singled on a bunt to third base, but Moore ended the inning with a strikeout.
In the fifth, RC took a 2-1 lead when Gabby Brown singled on a grounder to left field to drive in Bella Dorey.
The Wildcats added three more runs in the top of the sixth. After singles by Parker Dameron and Landrey Campbell, Willow Rogers doubled on a fly ball to center field to bring home courtesy runner Brooklyn Beverly, and Campbell scored on a groundout by Cameron Terry. RC scored the final run of the game when Brooke Hostetter hit a grounder to left field and reached second base on a PM error, driving in Rogers.
Campbell led RC with two hits, while six different Wildcats each had one hit.
The Blues had six freshmen playing, five starters and Zoey Tolley, moving up due to the absence of Julian and junior Kinleigh Wallace.
PM committed five errors, while RC had one.
RC will return to Valley District action at home against William Monroe on Tuesday at 5 p.m. The Blues will play host to Buffalo Gap in nondistrict action on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
For the full stories on this week’s action, with photos from Saturday’s game and comments from both head coaches, please see our May 7 newspaper.
