MCKEE — If you don’t know the name Sophia Martinez yet, you will soon.
The Jackson County seventh grader delivered a dominant performance in the pitcher’s circle, striking out 16 and allowing just one hit as Jackson County beat Pineville, 1-0, on Tuesday to capture its third straight 13th Region All ‘A’ Classic Tournament championship.
In a true pitcher’s duel, Martinez and Pineville’s Rachel Howard matched each other inning for inning, but one run proved to be enough.
Martinez was nearly flawless, working around minimal traffic while keeping Pineville off balance the entire game.
Howard was equally impressive for Pineville, allowing six hits and one earned run while striking out 12.
Jackson County scored its lone run off of a run-scoring hit by seventh grader Tilly Truett.
