FARMINGTON -- Paige Anderson's 2-out, 2-run homer in the top of the fourth inning lifted Farmington to a 3-2 edge over Gravette in the semifinal of the Farmington Invitational Softball Tournament Saturday.
The contest featured a pitcher's duel between Farmington's McKenzi Bogan (5-1), who struck out 4, and Gravette starter Cally Kildow, who allowed 1 run on 3 hits. In the first two innings, Kildow struck out 4 Lady Cardinals while allowing 1 walk.
Gravette coach Taos Jones replaced her with Bailey Elmore, who threw 3 innings and took the loss when Anderson homered off her.
Elmore executed a sacrifice bunt that drove in a run, with Gabby Scott at third following a leadoff walk to begin the second inning. Shylee Morrison was at second, but the Lady Lions couldn't bring her around when Bogan struck out Summer Kaba.
Gravette nearly turned a double play in the top of the second when Bogan hit into a fielder's choice, barely reaching first. With two outs, Anderson drove in the tying run with a stand-up double, scoring courtesy runner Keely Stout.
Hannah Cole went yard for the Lady Lions in their last at-bat to lead off the fifth. Her solo shot over the left center field wall narrowed Farmington's lead to a single run, at 3-2, but Farmington's defense made the lead hold up.
Emily Ellis hit a fly ball that was caught in right center, then Farmington shortstop Remington Adams made an outstanding stop and threw out a runner at first. She caught a pop-up near second base to clinch the win for Farmington.
Despite the 3-2 victory, Farmington coach Randy Osnes gave his squad a mixed review.
"Didn't do much this morning against Fayetteville (9-1 win), didn't do very much against Gravette, didn't do anything right there (in championship game an 8-2 loss to Bentonville West)."
Gravette defeated Springdale, 20-0, and Greenwood, 1-0, on Saturday to capture third place in the tournament.
The Lady Lions get a rematch when Farmington comes to town on March 26 after spring break.
Sports on 03/20/2019