By Michael Lindsay
The Gordonsville Tigerettes improved to 8-1 overall and 4-0 in District 7-1A play Thursday evening as they defeated Clay County, 10-0, in 6 innings.
“We started out kind of slow, but then we were able to get some runs in the third inning,” said Gordonsville head coach Jonathon Bush. “Kailey pitched a 1-hitter, and we were able to get some runs across. It’s hard to complain about a 10-0 district win.”
University of Tennessee commit Kailey Plumlee struck out 16 of the 20 Lady Bulldog batters she faced Thursday while surrendering 1 hit and 1 walk.
Gordonsville recorded 12 hits on the day led by Abby Brinkley and Kelsie Watts, who each went 3-4 at the plate. Watts hit a 2-run home run and a double with 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored while Brinkley tallied 3 runs scored, 2 RBIs and a double.
After a scoreless 2 innings, Gordonsville posted 3 runs in the bottom of the third as a Brinkley single to right scored Camri Johnson before Watts’ 2-run homer to left gave the Tigerettes a 3-0 advantage.
“We had a talk with our junior and seniors before the game, and we have to have them seeing the ball and hitting,” added Bush.
Christina Ray opened the fourth inning with a run for Gordonsville before the Tigerettes posted four runs with two outs to take an 8-0 lead after four.
“When you have a team down 3 0r 4 runs early, you have to keep going,” said Bush. “I know we finished with 10 runs, but it felt like we kind of let up. It’s important to keep going.”
Gordonsville put the game away in the bottom of the sixth as a Watts double scored Brinkley before a Johnson double to left scored Watts, giving the Tigerettes a 10-0 lead to win via mercy rule.
Along with Thursday’s victory, Gordonsville gained national attention this week as the Tigerettes moved into the MaxPreps Softball Top 25 as the 17th-ranked team in the United States.
“It’s good that these girls are recognized,” said Bush. “It’s good for our school and community. Our boys (basketball team) are coming off a state tournament run, so there’s a lot of exciting things happening in our high school. For these girls to see the nation recognizing them, it’s an honor.”
Up next for Gordonsville is the 2024 Southern Warrior Classic this weekend at Riverdale High School. The Tigerettes have 5 games scheduled in the weekend tournament weather permitting.
