It is going to be a long drive for Madison County’s next softball game, but one the Red Raiders gladly take as the team heads to Columbus and the first game of the state finals.
Earning a spot in the Elite Eight for the right to play in Columbus has been the team goal all year and the players and coaches are now going to make the most of it as Madison County faces Union Grove today (Thursday) at 3:30 p.m. on field number six.
Madison County improved to 32-3 as the Red Raiders defeated Northwest Whitefield 8-3, 3-1 last Wednesday.
“They were a good team that was well coached,” said coach Doug Kesler. “They were on a roll coming into our place and had a lot of well earned confidence.”
Timia Skelton makes the catch in right field. The Red Raiders earned a trip to the elite eight after holding off Northwest Whitefield last Wednesday. Justin Poole/staff
Columbus bound: MCHS faces Union Grove in first game of finals
Now the Red Raiders face Union Grove (29-9) who defeated Northside, Warner Robins 3-0, 3-1 in the first round and advanced to the Elite Eight over Wayne County 6-0, 7-3.
On paper, Madison County appears to have the advantage scoring on average five runs more than the Wolverines. However, Union Grove has allowed 16 fewer runs than the Red Raiders this year.
“They have a very good pitcher, supposed to be one of the best pitchers in the state, and a pretty good supporting cast around her,” Kesler said. “We will have our work cut out for us, but we are excited about the opportunity in front of us. ”
Now with the finish line only four games away, Madison County celebrates making it this far, but the pressure is still on for the Red Raiders as they make their run for the title.
While Madison County’s ultimate goal is a state title, Kesler said that the team is excited just to have the opportunity to compete and is glad that whenever the team ends at, it will be in Columbus.
“I am excited for all of our girls, especially the seniors. It’s a big accomplishment they can take with them,” he said adding that he was proud of the team and that each member of the team put Madison County where it is at through hard work.
No matter what happens in Columbus, the Red Raiders have definitely made an impression this season across the region – defending the region title and boasting six All Region first team selections. See related story on 1B of The Madison County Journal.
Northwest Whitefield
In the second round last week, Madison County battled Northwest Whitefield to advance to the Elite Eight.
In the first game, Madison County won 8-3 after the Red Raiders leapt ahead in the sixth inning.
Northwest Whitefield was the first on the board in the top of the second inning after a two run scoring double. Madison County was quick to respond cutting the lead in half in the bottom of the inning, then taking a two run lead after the third and fourth innings.
Northwest Whitefield drew to within one run of the Red Raiders in the fifth, but was unable to draw closer as Madison County scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Leading hitters for the Red Raiders were Duncan with two hits, one a double and two RBIs, Drake with two hits and two RBIs, LaZear and Peeples each had two hits and two runs scored.
Starting pitcher Smith stayed in for four innings, striking out one and allowing two runs, one earned off seven hits. Gillespie took the mound for the save, pitching three innings, striking out two and allowing three hits for one unearned run.
Game two
With the first game under their belts the Red Raiders were ready to put it away without allowing Northwest Whitefield a chance to force a third game.
The 3-1 win wasn’t a cake walk for Madison County, as the Bruins took it to the wire with runners on third and second base and two outs on the board.
Madison County stayed level headed on defense and earned the win.
Skelton led the bats with two hits. Duncan hit a double for two RBIs and Atkinson hit for two RBIs.
Boggs pitched for five and a third inning with one run off four hits and two strikeouts. Gillespie came back for the close, pitching one and two-thirds, allowing three hits and striking out one.
MCHS 8, NW Whitefield 3
NWW 0200100 – 3
MCHS 012104X – 8
Hitting: Duncan 2-4, double, 2RBIs; Drake 2-4, 2RBIs; LaZear 2-3, 2 runs; Peeples 2-4, 2 runs; Skelton and Osborne 1 hit; Smith fielder’s choice RBI
Pitching:
Smith 4 IP, 7H, 2R-1ER, 1K
Gillespie 3 IP, 3H, 1R-0ER, 2K
MCHS 3, NW Whitefield 1
MCHS 0110010 – 3
SWD 0000010 – 1
Hitting: Duncan 1-2, double, RBI; Peeples 1-3, 1 run; Skelton 2-4; Atkinson 1-3, 2 RBIs; Osborne and LaZear 1 hit
Pitching:
Boggs 5.3 IP, 4H, 1R, 2K
Gillespie1.6 IP, 3H, 0R, 1K
On paper, Madison County appears to have the advantage scoring on average five runs more than the Wolverines. However, Union Grove has allowed 16 fewer runs than the Red Raiders this year.
“They have a very good pitcher, supposed to be one of the best pitchers in the state, and a pretty good supporting cast around her,” Kesler said. “We will have our work cut out for us, but we are excited about the opportunity in front of us. ”
Now with the finish line only four games away, Madison County celebrates making it this far, but the pressure is still on for the Red Raiders as they make their run for the title.
While Madison County’s ultimate goal is a state title, Kesler said that the team is excited just to have the opportunity to compete and is glad that whenever the team ends at, it will be in Columbus.
“I am excited for all of our girls, especially the seniors. It’s a big accomplishment they can take with them,” he said adding that he was proud of the team and that each member of the team put Madison County where it is at through hard work.
No matter what happens in Columbus, the Red Raiders have definitely made an impression this season across the region – defending the region title and boasting six All Region first team selections. See related story on 1B of The Madison County Journal.
Northwest Whitefield
In the second round last week, Madison County battled Northwest Whitefield to advance to the Elite Eight.
In the first game, Madison County won 8-3 after the Red Raiders leapt ahead in the sixth inning.
Northwest Whitefield was the first on the board in the top of the second inning after a two run scoring double. Madison County was quick to respond cutting the lead in half in the bottom of the inning, then taking a two run lead after the third and fourth innings.
Northwest Whitefield drew to within one run of the Red Raiders in the fifth, but was unable to draw closer as Madison County scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth.
Leading hitters for the Red Raiders were Duncan with two hits, one a double and two RBIs, Drake with two hits and two RBIs, LaZear and Peeples each had two hits and two runs scored.
Starting pitcher Smith stayed in for four innings, striking out one and allowing two runs, one earned off seven hits. Gillespie took the mound for the save, pitching three innings, striking out two and allowing three hits for one unearned run.
Game two
With the first game under their belts the Red Raiders were ready to put it away without allowing Northwest Whitefield a chance to force a third game.
The 3-1 win wasn’t a cake walk for Madison County, as the Bruins took it to the wire with runners on third and second base and two outs on the board.
Madison County stayed level headed on defense and earned the win.
Skelton led the bats with two hits. Duncan hit a double for two RBIs and Atkinson hit for two RBIs.
Boggs pitched for five and a third inning with one run off four hits and two strikeouts. Gillespie came back for the close, pitching one and two-thirds, allowing three hits and striking out one.
MCHS 8, NW Whitefield 3
NWW 0200100 – 3
MCHS 012104X – 8
Hitting: Duncan 2-4, double, 2RBIs; Drake 2-4, 2RBIs; LaZear 2-3, 2 runs; Peeples 2-4, 2 runs; Skelton and Osborne 1 hit; Smith fielder’s choice RBI
Pitching:
Smith 4 IP, 7H, 2R-1ER, 1K
Gillespie 3 IP, 3H, 1R-0ER, 2K
MCHS 3, NW Whitefield 1
MCHS 0110010 – 3
SWD 0000010 – 1
Hitting: Duncan 1-2, double, RBI; Peeples 1-3, 1 run; Skelton 2-4; Atkinson 1-3, 2 RBIs; Osborne and LaZear 1 hit
Pitching:
Boggs 5.3 IP, 4H, 1R, 2K
Gillespie1.6 IP, 3H, 0R, 1K
Sam LaZear rounds second during the first game against NW Whitefield. Justin Poole/staff
Gabby Gillespie closed both games for a combined three strikeouts and one run allowed. Justin Poole/staff
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