Natchez gets past FC, 10-9

After falling behind early against Natchez on Thursday, March 3, Franklin County’s varsity softball team battled its way back only to come up a little short in a 10-9 road decision.

The loss dropped the Lady Bulldogs to 1-2 on the 2022 fast-pitch season.

Franklin plated a pair of runs in the top of the first and one each in the second and third frames, but Natchez took advantage of its opportunities with six runs in the bottom of the initial frame and two more in the second.

With no runs from either team in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, the bats came alive again late with Franklin plating five runs in the top of the seven to go ahead, 9-8.

Natchez snatched the decision, however, by scoring two runs in the latter half of the seventh to avenge a 10-9 loss in Meadville in what would become a 10-inning affair on Thursday, Feb. 24.

FC pounded out eight hits in last week’s contest while Natchez had nine to its credit.

First baseman Sadie Scott had three hits in four plate appearances for the visiting Lady Bulldogs and was credited with three RBIs.

Pitcher Karlee Wallace also excelled at the plate thanks to a 2-for-3 effort, which included a home run, two runs scored and a trio of RBIs.

Catcher Amberly Wallace went 1-for-4 with a walk, a strike out and two runs scored while shortstop Jhalayah Tillman was also 1-for-4 with a pair of runs.

Left fielder Maddie Moak was 1-for-3 with a run and an RBI for Franklin County.

The Lady Dawgs left eight base runners stranded in the outing and committed five of the game’s 11 errors.

Karlee Wallace went the distance from the pitching circle and surrendered 10 runs — six of those earned. She struck out eight Natchez batters and walked five.

Her pitch-to-strike ratio was 131-83.

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ON DECK

The Lady Diamond Dawgs were slated to travel to face the Wesson Lady Cobras on Tuesday, March 8.

Results from that district contest were not available at press time.

Franklin County is scheduled to play at home on Thursday, March 10 against another district foe, the Hazlehurst Lady Indians.

On Friday, March 11, the team will work to get in another home contest against West Lincoln before Franklin County Schools begin their week-long spring break.

The Lady Bulldogs are scheduled to return to play on Thursday, March 24 when they will play host to district rival Tylertown.

Franklin will wrap up the month with a home match-up against South Pike on Tuesday, March 29.
Editor’s note: Scheduled games are subject to change due to weather or team cancellations without prior notice.