Lady Mustangs fall to Des Arc

By COSMO COSSEY

Poinsett County

Democrat Tribune

Jaylyn Cagle smashes a hit during BIC's 2A North Regional Tournament game Thursday against Des Arc. (Photo by Cosmo Cossey)

BIC (14-11) lost to Des Arc 5-1 in the opening round of the 2A North Regional softball tournament this past Thursday in Monette. The loss ended the season for the Lady Mustangs.

The Lady Mustangs went down in order in the top of the first inning as Jaylyn Cagle and Hallee Wells both struck out before Sydney Bryeans popped out. Des Arc plated two runs on a home run in the bottom half of the inning to go up 2-0 after one. Riley Parker grounded out leading off the top of the second as Claire Jackson had an infield single. Jackson stole second and went to third when no covered the bag for the throw. Kendra Towell's fielder's choice grounder got Jackson thrown out at home as Chasney Griggry grounded out for the third out. Cagle set the Lady Eagles down in order in the bottom half to keep the score 2-0 Des Arc.

Kinsley Hamilton and Madi Gage both struck out in the top of the third inning before Cagle drew a walk only to be thrown out trying to steal second base. A double and two errors plated two more runs for the Lady Eagles to make the score 4-0 after three innings. The Lady Mustangs went down in order in the top of the fourth as Wells and Bryeans both grounded out and Parker flew out. Des Arc got a lead-off single in the bottom half of the fourth before Cagle got a fly out and two strikeouts to end the inning.

Jackson looked to have a bunt single in the top of the fifth inning only to be called out for stepping out of the batter's box when she made contact with the ball. Towell and Hamilton got back to back walks only to see Hamilton pop out and Gage ground out leaving the runners stranded. The Lady Eagles got two runners on with one out only to have a fly out and pop out end the inning with Des Arc still leading 4-0. Cagle led off the top of the sixth with a double before Wells struck out. Cagle stole third and scored when the third baseman missed the throw making it 4-1 Lady Eagles. Bryeans doubled, Parker looked at strike three and Jackson walked. Towell struck out leaving the runners on base. A double, passed ball and a sacrifice play plated a run for Des Arc to push their lead to 5-1 after six innings.

BIC went three up and three down in the top of the seventh inning as Griggry struck out, Hamilton grounded out and Gage lined out to end the game giving Des Arc the win.

Cagle had a hit, run scored and a stolen base with Jackson adding two hits. Bryeans and Towell finished with a hit each. Cagle took the loss pitching six innings giving up five runs on six hits with one walk and eight strikeouts.