The early box score gave a hint of things to come in Tuesday afternoon’s Hidden Valley-Pulaski County softball matchup.
Through the first two innings Pulaski County had one hit, but no runs.
Hidden Valley had no hits, but scored two runs.
Taking advantage of Pulaski’s pitching and defensive woes, Hidden Valley scored five runs in the bottom of the fourth to pull away for the 9-2 River Ridge win.
Lady Titan senior pitcher Sophia Robinette got all the run support she needed in going the distance in the circle for Hidden Valley, giving up 8 hits and striking out five.
The Titans scored 2 runs in the first without the benefit of a hit. Three walks, two throwing errors and a wild pitch handed the Titans the early advantage.
Pulaski County cut the deficit to 2-1 in the top of the third when freshman Callie Ratcliffe singled with runners on second and third with one out. Robinette escaped further damage when she got a strikeout and fly out after the Cougars had two runners in scoring position.
Hidden Valley put things away in their half of the fourth. A hit-batsman, walk, wild pitch and 5-foot bunt single by Mary Walters loaded the bases. Junior Madi Cupp singled for one run, a passed ball scored the second and fielder’s choice grounder made it 5-1. Brooke Seale and Robinette followed with two more singles that ended the day for Pulaski starter Courtney Beville as Hidden Valley went up 7-1.
Pulaski added a run in the fifth and Hidden Valley picked up two down the stretch to secure the final margin.
Cupp and Robinette paced the Titan offense with two hits apiece. Freshman Kayla Price and sophomore Sierra Martin each had a pair of hits for the Cougars.
Hidden Valley evened its record at 6-6 ( 4-3 River Ridge), while Pulaski fell to 2-11; 1-6.
Bill Turner
