Perfect seasons don’t last very long around the Lady Pioneers.
Warren County Middle School beat a pair of previously unbeaten squads last week, topping Oakland 1-0 Friday at home a day after downing DeKalb County 6-3 on the road.
Warren County (14-2) staked its claim as one of the top programs in the Midstate following the big wins. Coach Joe Damon, who guided the program to a CTC championship last year, believes his young Lady Pioneers are doing everything they can to be regarded in high esteem.
“These girls believe in the program and what they’re building,” said Damon. “The leadership of the older girls is great and you can see the young girls following.”
The Lady Pioneers had to go to the final inning to take down the Lady Chargers at home.
The teams were locked in a stalemate going into the bottom of the fifth, when Callie Jo Roberts sparked the home squad with a lead-off single. Isabella Pennington entered as a pinch runner and she immediately made an impact.
After taking second on a sacrifice bunt from Dallis Meton, Pennington moved to third on a passed ball during Cadi Todd’s at-bat.
Todd initially tried to lay down a bunt, but decided to swing away on her third pitch. Her lofted shot behind third base was dropped, giving Pennington a chance to make a break toward home.
Pennington was able to slide under the tag, giving her team its 12th win in 13 games.
“We couldn’t string hits together, but we got the lead-off hit in the fifth and were able to move her around,” said Damon.
Kora Forbes earned the victory, pitching a two-hit shutout. Forbes was able to shut down Oakland with only 50 pitches, including retiring the visitors in order in the third and fourth innings with eight pitches.
Roberts and Bella Bain finished with two hits apiece, while Jessie Young had a single in the victory.
Offense wasn’t as much of an issue against DeKalb County.
The Lady Pioneers ripped off five runs in the first inning against the Lady Saints and used the big inning to hand the border rival its first loss.
Dallis Melton highlighted the fast start, hitting a three-run, inside-the-park home run to push her team ahead 5-0. Alyssa Mosley added a two-run single in the first.
Bain chipped in an RBI groundout in the second, giving Forbes enough cushion to hold the Lady Saints at bay. Forbes allowed 10 hits and struck out four while earning the victory.
Warren County will look to keep its hot streak going Monday when it takes on White County at home. The first pitch is set for 5 p.m.
