Janet Schrader, Democrat Reporter

The Madison County Cowgirl softball team thought they would have it all their way against the Lady Bulldogs on their home field. But Suwannee roped the Cowgirls and hog-tied them 7-4 on April 15 in Madison.



As it was an away game, Suwannee was first up to bat. Ragan Nobles was the first runner to reach base when an error was committed by the first baseman. While Erin Hall was up to bat, Nobles stole second. Hall hit a single and Nobles made it to third. When Hall tried to steal second the catcher threw down to second allowing Nobles to score the first run of the game.

Madison came back and scored one run in the bottom of the first inning.



In the top of the second inning, Suwannee went three up and three down.



Madison scored one more run in the bottom of the second.



In the top of the third inning, Suwannee capitalized on another Madison error when Jenna Jordan reached first on an overthrow. Kate Townsend laid down a sac-bunt to advance Jordan to second. Suwannee’s catcher, Stephanie Starling, was up next and walked. Nobles reached first off yet another Madison error which allowed Jordan to score. Starling reached third and Nobles advanced to second off the same error. Hall, up to bat again, hit another single scoring Starling and leaving Nobles on third. Nobles scored off a wild pitch.



Suwannee made three runs in the inning to go up 4-1. But the lead didn’t last long. Madison came back and scored two more runs in the bottom of the inning, but that would be it for the night for them.



Suwannee didn’t score in the fourth or fifth innings but at the top of the sixth, the girls came back strong. Nobles and Hall both were walked putting runners at first and second with Katie Smith up to bat. Smith ripped a nice hit to left field. The Cowgirl outfielder misread the hit and the ball tipped off her glove and dropped to the ground. Two more runs scored and Smith made it a triple, landing at third. Smith scored off a wild pitch to make it seven runs for Suwannee. That would be it for the game Suwannee took the game 7-4. Lea Schenck started on the mound and gave up seven hits, one walk, one strike out, and the team committed two errors during the four innings Schenck pitched.



Katie Smith came in to relieve Schenck in the fifth finish up the last three innings. Smith gave up one hit and only one error was committed by the team, which meant the defense did a great job fielding and making the plays.



It was an exciting win for Suwannee. The team is now 9 – 9, with two more regular games for the season, a tournament in Trenton and then they go off to the district tournament. Go Lady Dogs!



Janet Schrader may be reached by calling 1/386/362-1734 ext. 132 or by e-mail at janet.schrader@gaflnews.com.