In the church league women’s finale Tuesday evening, Smartt Station Baptist Church had its hands full with the powerful group of sluggers from New Bybee’s.
New Bybee’s set the tone in its first trip to the plate and pounded out 13 runs. The offense simmered off after the first inning and finished the game with a solid defensive stand to solidify the top spot in the women’s church league championship game.
The game ended in the fourth inning with New Bybee’s on top, 22-6.
New Bybee’s batted around the lineup in its first trip to the plate as Smartt faced 17 batters in the top of the first inning. Of those first 17 faced, only three did not make it around the bases and New Bybee’s left one stranded.
Smartt was stunned after the team gave up a 13-run first inning and knew it had work to do. Sally Alexander and Tracy Scott provided the early spark to the Smartt offense and delivered two runs. Becky Clark and Sandy Collins picked up a pair of base hits but were left on base and Smartt trailed 13-2 after the first.
In the top of the second, the offense turned down the heat after a blistering first at-bat. Kristi Starkey and Dara Johnson were the source of offense. They were driven around the bases by Sina Neal and Taylor McAllister. The Smartt defense stepped up its intensity and stopped the New Bybee’s offense before any further damage. New Bybee’s led 15-2.
In the bottom of the second, it started to become apparent Smartt would not make a triumphant comeback. Back-to-back outs started the inning and Lori Judkins and Alexander again made a round trip around the infield. After the final out was made, Smartt trailed 15-4.
In the final two at-bats for New Bybee’s the team tacked on seven more runs and it became very clear Smartt’s fate had been determined. Smartt was outscored in the first inning alone but the final two innings the offense only delivered a pair of runs.
Sally Alexander crushed a pitch over the defense that made its way all the way to the center-field fence. Alexander was between second and third when the ball was picked up and returned back to the cut-off player. Carrie Hale was the only other player to score for Smartt in the final inning.
After New Bybee’s went undefeated during the season, the ladies made a run through the tournament and claimed the post-season championship and defeated Smartt by a final score of 22-6.