Led by Danielle Lukas’ complete game on the mound and Kayla Argo’s three hits on the night, Madison County took the two-of-three series to advance to the state tournament in a few weeks.
Madison County jumped out early with four runs in the first inning and didn’t let up until the final out of the “run ruled” five-inning game. Argo got the hit parade started in the home half of the first inning followed by a double from Lukas. Argo later scored on a wild pitch and Kristen Crumley delivered an infield hit to drive home Lukas.
Following a double by Brianna Morgan, Mallory Rogers dropped in a hit to center field, driving home Crumley. On the same play, Morgan was cut down trying to score for the second out of the inning. Tatum Harris, who reached on a walk, later touched home for Madison County’s fourth run on a hit by KC Wade. From that point on, Madison County was in cruise control.
Hart County pushed across a run in each the third, fourth, and fifth innings, but Madison County had an answer each time by posting one in the bottom of the second, seven in the third, and five in the fifth frame to bring home the district banner.
Kristen Crumley reached on an error in the second inning that drove home Lukas, giving Madison County a 5-1 lead. Madison County pushed their lead to 12-2 in the bottom of the third inning with the help of a two run single from Kayla Argo, a run scoring single from Lukas followed by a bases loaded walk to Tatum Harris. An infield error off the bat of Mallory Rogers drove home the inning’s final three runs.
As if Madison County needed more insurance, Tatum Harris made sure the premium was paid as she delivered a huge three-run blast over the left field fence to cap off Madison County’s scoring. Crumley drove home two runs in the same inning courtesy of a throwing error from Hart County’s third baseman.
Argo led the hitting attack with three hits followed by two each from Rogers, Elizabeth Stoyle, Brianna Morgan, and Danielle Lukas. Harris, Wade, and Crumley all added a hit each. Lukas finished the night on the hill by striking out eight Hart batters while allowing just three hits and four walks.
SATURDAY’S GAME
Madison County picked up its first win in the best-of-three series Saturday, downing Hart County 6-3.
With the game tied at 3-3, Madison County staged a rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to take the lead and win. Kayla Argo singled home the go ahead run in the inning. Anna McCarty laid down a key bunt single in the inning and Elizabeth Stoyle delivered the final blow with a two-run, two-out double. Kirsten Casper, who entered the game to pinch run for Danielle Lukas, crossed home on the double to seal the 6-3 win.
Lukas was the pitcher of record for Madison County allowing just two hits on the day. Brianna Morgan led the hitting going three-for-three followed by Kristen Crumley who was two-for-three.
Madison County now advances to the state tournament. The times and location for the state tournament have not yet been announced.
Note: Other all star action will be published as information is available. We intend to print as much as possible about local teams. If you are a coach and you want to submit information or photos to us, you can contact us at dallasb32@yahoo.com or zach@mainstreetnews.com.
