It took the Lady Dogs a little bit of time getting used to the speed of Class 6A softball in Friday’s post-season warm-up game with Hutto, but by the third inning, their offense came alive.
THS was tied with the Lady Hippos going into the top of the third when lead-off batter Emilee Baker walked. Baker scored on a Natalie Garcia bunt and Garcia would score two batters later on a Raeghan Carlson line drive to make it 3-1.
The flood gates opened with five hits scoring five runs including doubles from Emily Reeves, Kelsey Kovar and Garcia with singles from Carlson and Bailee Baker.
Thorndale won the game 8-4 but found a quality match in Hutto as the Lady Hippos got seven hits including a home run in the sixth, challenging sophomore pitcher Dori Ginn and the Lady Dog defense.
Carlson led Thorndale going three-for-four at the plate and Ginn struck out three.
PLAYOFFS—Thorndale played another practice game with Salado on Tuesday after press time and starts their series with Harper at Lago Vista High School this weekend.
The Lady Horns placed fourth in District 28-2A with a record of 7-5 under first year coach and Harper alum Callen Stevenson.
“We have to lean on what got us here,” he said. “Our hitting and playing defense behind sound defense.”
“We aren’t going to try to re-invent ourselves,” he added.
First game is scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. Game two will take place Saturday at noon. If a third game is necessary, play will commence immediately following the conclusion of game two.
BULLDOGS—The battle between brothers Kory and Kelly Kuhl came to a close last Tuesday, with Kelly’s Thorndale Bulldogs sweeping Kody’s Granger Lions with a 12-2 win at THS.
Thorndale led 2-0 but got hot in the fourth inning with five runs in the fourth and four runs in the fifth to take the game.
Top performers were Hunter Thigpen who had two hits. Mason Lindig, Kaden Kovar, Logan Davis and Hunter Clark each had one hit.
Bryson Beran led at the mound with seven strikeouts and allowing four hits in five innings. Mike Reyes also pitched, striking out one batter in one inning.
FIRST PLACE—As of press time, the Bulldogs are 11-1 in District 27-2A and tied for first place with rival Thrall, who also has it’s only loss to Holland.
The battle for district champion started Tuesday after press time in Thorndale, results will be posted on Reporter social media.
Both teams close out the series and district play on Friday evening in Thrall.
Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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