NASHVILLE, Ark. — The Warren Lady Jacks opened the 4A State Softball Tournament with a dramatic 6-2 extra-inning victory over Clinton Thursday in Nashville, using a grand slam from Charlee Wardlaw to seal the win and advance to the quarterfinal round.
This game report is brought to you by
The game was tied 2-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning before Warren erupted for four runs. Wardlaw delivered the biggest hit of the day when she blasted a walk-off grand slam to center field, ending the contest in dramatic fashion.
Wardlaw finished 3-for-4 at the plate with five RBIs and a double in addition to the game-winning home run. Haven Johnson also provided offense for Warren, going 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the first inning that gave the Lady Jacks an early 1-0 lead.
Clinton answered in the top of the sixth inning when Riley Vann connected on a two-run home run to left field, giving the Lady Yellowjackets a 2-1 advantage.
Warren tied the game later in the sixth after Wardlaw doubled to center field, helping bring home the tying run.
Brooklyne McVay earned the complete-game victory in the circle for Warren. McVay pitched all eight innings, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out four and walking two.
The Lady Jacks played a clean defensive game without committing an error.
Warren collected seven hits in the victory. Along with Wardlaw’s three-hit performance, Bailey Miller, Bailey Fellows, Haven Johnson, and Brylee Calloway each added a hit.
For Clinton, Lexi Wallace recorded two hits, while Vann drove in both runs with her sixth-inning homer.
Warren improves and now advances to the quarterfinal round of the 4A State Tournament, where the Lady Jacks will face Gentry on Friday, May 15, at 12:30 p.m. in Nashville.
