Baker powers Gibbs to Region 2-3A title
Eagles play state opener Tuesday
By Steve Williams
Pitching is probably considered the most important part of high school softball, but don’t dismiss the hitting. A team has to score to win.
With Gibbs ahead of Cocke County by only one run in the Region 2-3A championship game last week in Corryton, Briana Baker, who bats in the clean-up spot, smacked a two-run double down the third base line and into the left field corner in the bottom of the sixth inning to give the Eagles some breathing room.
Baker was asked what she was thinking when she went to the plate in that situation.
“I was just thinking that I have to move these runners,” answered the sophomore. “I got to do my job.”
With that kind of determination, it’s no wonder Baker was batting in the No. 4 hole. Veteran Coach Carol Mitchell, who was standing close enough to hear Briana’s answer, had to be pleased.
Skylynne Luttrell singled up the middle to bring Baker in from third base to cap the three-run eruption.
Coach Mitchell felt there were two keys to the 4-0 win.
“On offense, as the game went along, we got better at being patient and waiting for a good pitch to hit,” she said. “Early we were anxious and swung at some pitches we shouldn’t have.
“Defensively, I felt like Lacey (Keck) put the ball in a spot where they couldn’t hit it real hard. So they were hitting ground balls basically to the infield.”
Baker also began the fifth inning with a hard hit off the third baseman’s glove and Savanna Milo brought her in with a single and finished 2 for 2 at the plate.
Hayley Keck, Lacey Keck and Malyiah Smith each went 1 for 3.
Pitching-wise, Lacey Keck threw a two-hitter, struck out two and did not walk any. Hailee Hartsell took the loss in the circle.
Cocke County made some great defensive plays during the game to keep close.
Trying to steal second after getting a single in her first at-bat in the opening inning, Smith was thrown out by the Big Red’s catcher, Addison McNeely, who had a quick release and threw a dart.
Cocke County also ended Gibbs’ third time at-bat with a double play.
A diving catch by the left fielder robbed Smith of a hit in the fourth inning.
Gibbs earns state berth in 9 inning sectional win
It took nine innings for perennial power Gibbs to earn its TSSAA state softball berth this season.
The Lady Eagles (37-3) edged David Crockett 2-1 in the Class 3A Sectionals Thursday at Gibbs when Savanna Melo singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.
Winning pitcher Lacey Keck went the distance, striking out three batters and giving up only one base on balls.
Gibbs is scheduled to play Covington Tuesday in its state opener.
Unicoi County eliminated Cocke County 7-4 in Class 3A Sectional play.
