Lady Braves easily handle Ryle

Following the run by Vance, the Raiders defense closed ranks. Making a double play Ryle tagged out the Lady Braves designated runner on third before forcing out another at first.

With a ground out in the next at-bat, the Lady Braves took to the field on defense. Making short work of Ryle’s offense, Brianna Knochelman earned three strikeouts to close the inning.

During the second and third innings, the Lady Braves extended their lead to 2-0. Building on a double by Payton Gosney Grant pushed ahead with a hit by Liza Simpson, earning a second run.

Three strikeouts shut down the Grant’s offense in the top of the second while Knochelman earned Grant’s only base in the third inning.

Meanwhile, the Raiders struggled to crack the Lady Braves’ defense, only earning two bases with one hit and one walk. Though two pass balls allowed Ryle to steal second in both innings they were unable to capitalize.

Progessing into the fourth inning Gosney earned an early base hit before the Raiders countered with a ground out. Though Kaidyn Hudson did earn an RBI, two popouts to Ryle’s first basemen prevented an additional run.

Likewise, the Raiders initially earned a base before a flyout to Alexis Barnes. An error by the Lady Braves placed a runner on third base as Ryle closed in on a run. Grant regained their footing with Knochelman striking out the next two batters.

The fifth inning saw neither side make much progress with both teams earning two strikeouts and pop out for a quick inning.

In contrast, the top of the sixth saw Grant’s offense turn up the pressure on the Raiders’ defense. Kicking off with a hit by Knochelman, Bronwen Sydnor was then walked.

Designated runners Calliegh Hammons and Sarah Smith replaced both hitters as Gosney went to the plate. Making contact, Gosney brought home Smith with a double to set it to 3-0.

Pressing the assault Simpson then doubled, allowing Hammons to take home.

Capitalizing on an error from Ryle, Grant extended their lead as a bunt from Jayden Corbin caused confusion in the Raiders’ ranks.

As Grant scored their fifth run, Ryle lost further ground with Barnes bringing Simpson home soon after. Though Barnes was forced out at first, the RBI allowed Simpson to score, making it 6-0.

Eventually, Ryle was able to earn a third out with a popout to the third basemen, closing the top of the inning.

Battling through the bottom of the inning the Lady Braves gave up three bases. Due to two walks and a base hit from the Raiders, the bases were loaded against Grant.

The Lady Braves’ defense came through, though, with two strikeouts and a catch by Knochelman, making three outs.

Over the course of the final inning, both sides traded a run with Hudson batting in Riley Harloff, who was the courtesy runner for Knochelman.

The Raiders landed a painful punch to Grant’s defense in the bottom of the seventh with a homerun, finally putting Ryle on the board. Concluding with two strikeouts after the gut punch by the Raiders, the game ended in a 7-1 victory for Grant.