MIDDLESBORO — Jenna Baker delivered the game-winning swing in dramatic fashion Monday, blasting a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to lift Middlesboro to a 5-4 victory over Bell County in semifinal action of the 52nd District Fastpitch Tournament.
The Lady Bobcats carried a 4-3 lead into the final inning before Baker connected on the walk-off shot to left field, sending Middlesboro into the district championship game.
Bell County struck first in the opening inning when Reaghan Moyers delivered an RBI single to put the Lady Bobcats ahead 1-0.
The Lady Bobcats extended the lead to 2-0 in the third inning after Middlesboro committed an error, but the Lady Yellow Jackets answered in the bottom half of the inning as Abby Jackson launched a two-run homer to tie the game.
Bell County regained the lead in the fourth inning on another Middlesboro error, moving in front 3-2 before later adding another run for a 4-3 advantage.
Kenna Lawson earned the win in relief for Middlesboro, tossing two scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out one.
Adyson Scott took the tough-luck loss for Bell County after pitching 6.2 innings. Scott allowed five runs on six hits while striking out three.
Lily Partin started in the pitcher’s circle for Middlesboro, surrendering four runs, two earned, over five innings.
