Red Raiders earn region top seed

Prior to the Heritage game Tuesday, Red Raider coach Doug Kesler said Heritage was by far the biggest game of the season for the team. His squad defeated Heritage during the Morgan County Invitational last weekend, 10-4. Nevertheless, Kesler was not ready to call Tuesday’s game in Madison County’s favor.

“I don’t anticipate the same kind of game from the tournament,” said Kesler Monday. “They didn’t play their number one pitcher. Heritage is well coached and they have one of the best, if not the best catcher in the state. Tuesday’s game is huge for Madison County because it decides who is number one going into the region tournament.”

The Red Raiders understood the pressure and made sure Heritage felt it on the diamond as the ladies held off Heritage in the first inning, then put four on the board in the bottom of the first. Elizabeth Whieldon slammed a double to the fence in far left field to drive in two runners.

Madison County was up 5-0 before Heritage responded with a two-run homer in the fourth. But the Red Raiders ended that rally with a double play, then responded with another four runs in the bottom of the fourth after Heritage loaded the bases. Brandi Osborne emptied the bases with a three-run triple. And Madison County held off Heritage, only allowing two more runs for the Patriots in the 9-4 victory.

The win sends Madison County into the post-season to play Oct. 4 in the region tourney, with the aim of reaching the first round of state playoffs on Oct. 13.
Also this week, the Red Raiders’ softball team held senior night Wednesday as the ladies hosted East Jackson in an add-in game.

“These girls are just a blue-collar, hard-working group of softball players,” said Kesler. “They are a special group.”

Madison County has eight seniors on the team this season: Abby Atkinson at shortstop, Brandi Osborne at third base, Timia Skelton in outfield, Sarah Smith pitcher, Elizabeth Whieldon at first base, Cortney Boggs at pitcher, Haley Peeples in the outfield and Emily Mann in the infield.

“They are very close and grew up playing softball together,” said Kesler. “All these girls have a lot of accomplishments, they went to state twice and we are looking for a third trip this season.”

While the ladies prepare this week for the final push against Clarke Central, last week the Red Raiders were perfect, winning the Gold Bracket championship at the Morgan County Invitational and a region game against Rockdale County.

For more Madison County softball, see the Madison County Journal.