By By LAWRENCE KEECH, Staff Writer
Washington's and J.H. Rose's softball teams managed to produce just one hit in their season opening softball game Tuesday afternoon at Washington High School.
However, the solo hit, made by Alyssa Gambell in the first inning, had no outcome on the game. It was a decision by Rampants' coach William Bailey and a fielding problem by the Pam Pack that resulted in Washington's 1-0 defeat.
J.H. Rose's Stacy Andrews held on a 3-2 pitch and drew a walk from Washington pitcher Jeri Bell. Keli Harrell immediately followed with a bunt back to Bell, who tossed to first for the out, advancing Andrews to second.
With Abigail Parker at the plate, Andrews stole third on a 2-2 count. Parker hit back to Bell who chose to hold Andrews at third rather than attempt the out at first.
Then Leslie Furnes drew a walk to load the bases, still with just one out.
Matta was referring to Mary Beth Hardison, who came running in from left field to snag a line drive between shortstop and third. Hardison hurled the ball back toward home, but Bell cut off the throw and chased Andrews back to third.
Meredith Felts then hit a short pop-up toward the second-base defender. The ball fell in front of Samantha Elks who was held up by Furnes running toward second. No interference call was made and all the runners safely advanced on the error, including Andrews, who scored what proved to be the only run of the contest.
It was Washington's only error on the day.
Washington attempted a rally in the bottom of the seventh, but like most of the game it was three-up, three-down for the Pam Pack. Jessica Joyner fought off her eventual out with two bunt attempts and four foul balls. She eventually grounded out to first.
Jamie Lilley took relief pitcher Brandy Meeks to a full count before dribbling a shot between the first baseman's legs. Unfortunately for Lilley, the second baseman was in place to back her up and ran toward the bag, beating Lilley for the second out.
With J.H. Rose's first and third base defenders playing up, the Rampants were able to beat Bell to first with a throw from her grounder to third for the final out.
J.H. Rose 000 000 1 -- 1 1 1
Washington 000 000 0 -- 0 0 1
WP: Brandy Meeks; LP: Jeri Bell
JHR -- Alyssa Gambell 1-3.