Although Cleveland got a strong combined two-hit shutout from pair college bound senior hurlers, it was the a pair of juniors and a sophomore that provided the main offense in Tuesday's Senior Night regular season finale, at Brenda Lawson Field.
"We are happy to get a big win against a crosstown rival on Senior Night and close out regular season on a positive note," stated Coach KJ Harris after her 18th-ranked Lady Raiders posted the 8-0 five-inning shutout over Bradley Central.
"I was happy with our patience at the plate and our pitch selection down the stretch. We tallied six walks and were able to take advantage on the bases with some aggressive play. We stole 4 bases, Allison Farnsworth and Ja'Maya Hill drove in three runs a piece and Lily Mason drove in two.
"I would still like to see us clean up a few defensive situations, but overall I’m happy with our speed of play and pitch selection in the later innings," she added. "I think that will pay off for us going into post season and I’m looking forward to competing with this group.
"This team is extremely skilled and fun to coach. It should be an exciting couple of weeks for Lady Raider softball and I’m blessed to be along for the ride."
Roane State signee Ashley Allen fired the first four frames, giving up just one hit, while striking out four.
Furman signee Lily O'Bryan came on to toss the final inning, also giving up just one hit and notching a K.
The matchup which may be repeated in the Region 3-4A Tournament in a couple of weeks, was a delayed start due to Mother Nature and was finished with raindrops falling.
Both teams which tied for their respect district top seeds, now turn their attention to the postseason, which will begin Friday.
Depending on the result of Wednesday's third-ranked Walker Valley's (23-5-1, 4-1 District 5-4A) district makeup at McMinn County (8-17, 0-5), Cleveland (19-13, 5-1) will either be the No. 1 or second seed for the District 5-4A Tournament, at Larry Haney Field.
If the Feisty Fillies prevail they hold the tie-breaker over the Lady Raiders for the top spot.
The action will open with regular season champs facing McMinn County at 5 Friday, while the No. 2 will take on Rhea County (10-13, 2-4) at 7.
Bradley (11-16, 5-1 District 6-4A) is in a similar situation, tying East Hamilton (15-9, 5-1) in regular season play, but the Lady Hurricanes hold the tie-breaker for the top spot.
Although the actual game times weren't set by presstime Wednesday, the Bearettes will square off with third-seed Ooltewah (10-17, 2-4) Friday, while the host East Ham squad draws Howard (1-13, 0-6).
Both double-elimination tournaments will continue on Monday with the championship battle set for Tuesday. If a second title game is necessary, it will be held on Wednesday, May 8.
LADY RAIDERS 8
BEARETTES 0
After Allen set the visitors down in order in the game's opening at bat, Cleveland had a half dozen batters reach base to plate four runs in the bottom of the first.
Sophomore Landri Nelson drew a one-out walk, moved to second on a wild pitch and scored when junior Allison Farnsworth stroked the game's first hit.
After Allen was "plunked," 10th-grade Lilly Mason ripped a RBI-double into right-center field.
Senior Alexis Folts then "took one for the team" to jam the sacks and junior Ja'Maya Hill plated a pair with a single.
The Lady Raiders tacked on a solo score when Nelson opened the bottom of the second with a single and later scored on a two-out hit by Mason.
Back-to-back, two-out walks by O'Bryan and Nelson in the bottom of the third, along with three stolen bases, set up a two-run single by Farnsworth.
The final score to invoke the "mercy rule" came in the fourth when Allen, Mason and Folts each drew free passes from a new Bearette pitcher.
After a second change in the circle, Hill plated the score with a fielder's choice ground ball, with freshman courtesy runner Jaden Williams beating the throw to the plate for her second score of the night.
Mason reached base three times with a pair of hits and a free pass, driving in a pair, plus her courtesy runner freshman Sofia Greene, was able to complete the circle.
Farnsworth also went 2-for-3 with a trio of "ribbies," while Hill had a hit and drove in three teammates.
Nelson reached thrice with a hit and a two walks, leading to a RBI and a run scored.
Allen and Folts each reached twice with free passes.
Freshman Ma'Ryah Greenwood and junior Lynlee Hodge had the two Bearette hits.
