Alto shuts down Detroit 2-1 in game one of regional semifinals

Huddleston bats in 2 winning runs

BY LELAND ACKER

Both teams played excellent defense, but Alto's string of hits in the fourth inning gave the Lady Jackets a 2-1 win in game one of the three-game regional semifinal series against Detroit Tuesday at the Mineola Youth Foundation softball park in Mineola.

Both teams shut down their opponents bats in the first, second and third innings, but two consecutive throwing errors by Alto resulted in runners on first and second for Detroit in the top of the fourth inning. 

Detroit's Stevie Furra bit a fly ball deep into left field, which was caught by Lacey Huddleston. Huddleston then made the throw to home plate in time for catcher Abbey Scott to tag out Detroit's Taylor Eddins to prevent a score. Morrison had three spectacular catches on the evening. With two outs down, Detroit's Megan Jones hit a single to left center which batted in Brianna Williams, giving Detroit a 1-0 advantage in the game. The sides were retired when Huddleston caught a fly ball in left field hit by Stephanie Cashion.

Alto then sent Heaven Liles to the plate in the bottom of the fourth inning. Liles hit a grounder to first base and was put out, but Lexi Session hit a single and got on base. Scott then stepped up the plate, and endured a marathon of foul balls until she finally hit a line drive which was snatched from the air by Detroit shortstop Furra. Huddleston then singled, batting in Sessions.

Holley Huddlestson then stepped to the plate and hit a double, batting Lacey Huddleston, giving Alto the 2-1 lead. Both defenses stood tall throughout the rest of the game.

Hitters for Alto were:  Lacey Huddleston (two-for-three with a run scored and one RBI), Holley Huddleston (one-for-two with a double and one RBIs), Scott (one-for-three) and Session (one-for-three with a run scored).

Alto pitcher Liles got the win with five strike outs.

The Lady Jackets lead the series 1-0 with game two beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday in Mineola. Game three will begin immediately after game two if necessary.

The Alto Yellowjacket baseball team will face West Sabine in game one of a three-game regional quarterfinal series at 7 p.m. Friday at Central High School in Pollock on U.S. Highway 69 north of Lufkin. The game will be broadcast live on KWRW 97.7 FM.