Winnsboro rolls by Lady Jackets in district softball

Posted 4/7/22

The Mineola Lady Jackets fell to the visiting Winnsboro Red Raiders last Friday 16-8.   Winnsboro’s five-run rally in the top of the sixth created the wide margin, but after five complete …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Winnsboro rolls by Lady Jackets in district softball

Posted

The Mineola Lady Jackets fell to the visiting Winnsboro Red Raiders last Friday 16-8.  Winnsboro’s five-run rally in the top of the sixth created the wide margin, but after five complete innings, the score was a close 11-8 in favor of the visitors. 

In the end, the Winnsboro bats proved too much for the Lady Jackets, as the Raiders made excellent contact with the ball all night.

The game also saw one of the best rallies that Mineola has put together all year. 

Allie Hooten led off the bottom of the fourth by reaching on a Raider fielding error. She advanced to second on a long fly ball to left field off the bat of Brooke Louderman. Kenleigh Aguirre laid-down a beauty of a bunt and easily outraced the defense to record an infield hit. Hooten took third on the play.

Skilled batsman Laura Simmons calmly stepped to the plate and drilled the first pitch into center, scoring Hooten. Aguirre scampered into third. 

With the speedy Aguirre at third, Coach Taelor Cheshier called for a squeeze bunt. Jaycee Smith put a nice bunt down the third base line and the Raiders had no chance to get Aguirre at the plate. Smith was thrown out at first on the play but generated the run.

Amazing things happen when the ball is batted into play. Gracie Finley benefitted from just that when the Raiders committed their second error of the inning. Finley was safely aboard and Simmons came in to score.

Alexis Miller lined a double into left field which scored Finley. The Lady Jackets had just put up four runs with smart base running and timely hitting. It was one of the best sequences of the year. 

Winnsboro put two runners on to start the fifth. A base hit to center would normally have scored the runner from second, but an excellent throw from centerfielder Aguirre to the plate held the runner at third. 

The Raiders separated from the Lady Jackets in the sixth behind five base hits.  

The Lady Jackets have been able to produce quality softball – as evidenced by that fourth inning rally -- they are just struggling to do it consistently. Of note, freshman Mycah Mormon got some significant time on the mound. She demonstrated great composure. 

The Lady Jackets will next be on the diamond Friday, April 8 as they host Winona. Game time is 6 p.m.