Haddie Van Patton checks the call from the umpire after sliding safely into second base and avoiding the tag. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
Taylor Moreland struck out 11 batters in six innings in the circle for the Lady Rockets. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
UNIONVILLE — After falling behind 2-0 at Community in a key District 9-2A matchup on Thursday, Forrest rallied to put the pressure on the Viqueens and had a chance to do some serious damage in the top of the sixth.
In the end, the big hit eluded the Lady Rockets as Forrest dropped Game 2 of the district series to Community, 3-2.
The Viqueens took the early lead and drove home a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning on a two RBI single off the bat of Haylee Webb.
Forrest threatened in the top of the second thanks to a two-out double from Haddie Van Patton, but the two-out hit eluded the Lady Rockets.
The scoreless streak finally came to an end in the fourth inning when starting pitcher Taylor Moreland helped her own cause and slugged a solo homer to left to lead off the top of the fourth inning.
Community answered right back in the bottom of the inning with a two-out solo homer of its own thanks to catcher Carlie Blanton to take a 3-1 lead.
It wasn’t until the sixth that Forrest began to crack starting Community pitcher Taylar Wessner and led off the frame with three-straight singles from Maddy Ille, Moreland and a RBI single from Ella Chilton to pull within one run of the Community lead.
Forrest then bumped the tying run over to third on a sac-bunt from Marley Chilton, but again, Forrest couldn’t connect with a runner in scoring position.
Wessner recorded a pop fly and a ground out to escape the threat, leaving the runner stranded at third.
Community repaid the favor in the bottom of the inning and loaded the bases with one out, but Moreland struck out the final two batters to escape the jam.
Forrest got one last shot at the Community lead in the top of the seventh when Megan Dunn hit a fly ball to left and reached via Viqueen error, but the Purple and Gold defense was able to strand the runner on base and record the final two outs of the game.
Moreland went 2-for-3 at the plate, while Van Patton went 1-for-3 with a double.
Moreland pitched well, going the distance and scattering seven hits over six innings, while striking out 11 batters.
Forrest 000 101 0 — 2 6 0
Community 200 100 0 — 3 7 2
Forrest: Maddy Ille 1-for-4, Taylor Moreland 2-for-3, Ella Chilton 1-for-3, Haddie Van Patton 1-for-3.
Community: Anna Haskins 2-for-3, Mattie Maxey 2-for-3, Haylee Webb 1-for-3, Alana Tate 1-for-3, Carlie Blanton 1-for-2.
WP: Wessner
LP: Moreland
