MCGEHEE, Ark. — The Lady Jacks traveled to McGehee to take on the Lady Owls on Thursday, March 7, 2024, securing a hard-fought 8-5 victory.
Top photo: Lady Jack Livi McKinney at the plate vs. McGehee.
By David King
Saline River Chronicle Sports Contributor
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In a tightly contested match, the action commenced in the top of the 1st inning when Breize Fellows initiated proceedings with a walk, swiftly followed by a stolen base. Haven Johnson replicated Fellows’ success with another walk. Ember Johnson then capitalized with a crucial groundout, driving in two runs to set the tone. However, the Lady Owls rallied with their first two batters safely reaching base, ultimately tying the score with a timely double. The score remained deadlocked at 2-2 by the end of the 1st inning.
The momentum continued into the top of the 2nd inning, where Raeleigh Milton drew a walk with two outs, though Warren failed to capitalize, leaving her stranded at third base. In response, a defensive error in the bottom of the inning provided McGehee with a base runner, yet the Lady Owls squandered the opportunity, maintaining the 2-2 stalemate.
In the top of the 3rd, Haven Johnson capitalized on an error to reach base and later scored on a double by Ember Johnson, propelling Warren into a 3-2 lead. Despite a spirited response from McGehee, Warren’s defense held firm, preserving their narrow advantage.
The 4th inning saw Natalie Hargrave kick-starting proceedings with a single, showcasing her base-running prowess with a stolen base and advancing to third on a passed ball, only to be thwarted trying to steal home. Raeleigh Milton’s subsequent walk went unconverted, as did McGehee’s lead-off single, as both teams struggled to break the deadlock.
The tension reached a crescendo in the 5th inning, with Ember Johnson capitalizing on an error to reach base before Paige Byrd’s RBI double edged Warren ahead 4-3. McGehee responded promptly, narrowing the deficit to a single run.
Warren seized control in the 6th inning, as Raeleigh Milton’s walk kickstarted a decisive rally, with Breize Fellows and Haven Johnson contributing vital RBIs to extend Warren’s lead to 6-3. McGehee failed to muster a response, as Warren’s defense held firm.
The Lady Jacks continued their dominance in the 7th inning, with Presley Reep’s double setting the stage for Livi McKinney and Raeleigh Milton to drive in runs, extending Warren’s lead to 8-3. Despite a valiant late surge from McGehee, their efforts fell short.
In a standout performance for the Lady Jacks, Breize Fellows went 2-5 at the plate, scoring twice, while Haven Johnson went 2-4 and also crossed the plate twice. Ember Johnson’s 1-3 outing included a crucial double and a run scored, with Paige Byrd and Presley Reep each contributing doubles of their own.
On the mound, Raeleigh Milton delivered a commanding performance for the Lady Jacks, securing the win with 8 strikeouts and just 3 walks, conceding 7 hits.
With the hard-fought victory, Warren moves to the forefront with an 8-5 win, eagerly anticipating their upcoming clash against Stuttgart scheduled for tomorrow evening at 5:00 PM on home turf.
The above story was originally reported by Saline River Chronicle. Any re-publication on a commercial news site or in print is prohibited unless credit is given to Saline River Chronicle.
