By STEVE KNOX
Sports Connection Team
HOT SPRINGS - Six errors hurt the Gosnell Lady Pirates chances against Atkins and the Lady Red Devils took advantage to earn a 6-1 win in the second round of the Class 3A State Tournament at Majestic Park in Hot Springs.
Atkins scored twice in the bottom of the first, one in the bottom of the third and the fifth and twice in the bottom of the sixth to take a 6-0 lead. Gosnell would score a single run in the top of the seventh to set the final score.
Sarah Thompson led Gosnell with two hits and scored the Lady Pirates only run in the game. Anna Claire Smith had the other hit. Cheyanna Trapp and Aubrey Hill both reach base on walks in the contest.
Atkins starter in the circle, Libby May, went all seven innings, giving up one unearned run and only three hits. She issued two walks and picked up 10 strike outs while earning the victory.
Gist went six innings for Gosnell, giving up eight hits and six runs (two earned). Gist did not issue a walk and struck out nine.
Gosnell finished the season with a record of 17-6, while Atkins improved to 21-6 and advanced to a semifinal against Hackett Saturday.