CUERO — The Flatonia High School softball team traveled to Cuero Softball Field for a playoff match April 25 and defeated Skidmore-Tynan High School by a final score of 8-1.
A grand slam about midway through the game followed by a big rally a couple innings later from the Lady Bulldogs was too much for Skidmore-Tynan to come back from as Flatonia also was able to play well with their gloves on the defensive end.
“It started a little slow,” said Flatonia head softball coach Shane Walker. "I think we had a lot of jitters. Some of these girls have never been been in the playoffs, but I think once we got in the swing of the game, we just had confidence and just went up to the plate and attacked their pitcher. She's a really good pitch -
er. Things just kind of fell our way tonight."
Flatonia sophomore pitcher Jalee Trussell pitched a gem on the mound and also hit a huge grand slam in the top of the fourth inning to pull her team ahead.
“Before I get in the box, I have a feeling it's gonna happen," Trussell said on the grand slam. "I just kind of got the feeling. Had confidence and just let my bat do the work." The Lady Bulldogs had a 1-0 lead going into the top of the fourth inning before a double and two botched strikeout balls led to Trusell's grand slam. Skid more drew the bases loaded as well in their next at bat and was able to score on a sacrifice fly to right field to make it 5-1. Flato nia added three more insurance runs in the top of the sixth inning with a pass ball, three base hits, a botched ground ball from sophomore Emma Kosler, and a grounder for a fielder's choice to make it 8-1. Two strikeouts and a ground out from Skidmore in the bottom of the seventh inning sealed the game for Flatonia at 8-1.
Flatonia senior centerfielder Sadie Noska, 5, takes a ball and throws it in from centerfield. Banner Press photo by Brian Pierson
