A late rally came up just short for Caldwell County’s girls, who dropped a 9-8 decision at Union County in softball action Friday night.
Down 9-4 through five innings, the Lady Tigers scratched out two runs in each of the sixth and seventh innings.
Caldwell (1-2) had the potential tying and go-ahead runs on base with nobody out in the top of the seventh.
However, three straight ground balls to short left those runners stranded, and the homestanding Bravettes (3-0) held on for the win.
A four-run first inning gave Union the upper hand and forced the Lady Tigers to play catch-up all night.
Caldwell got to within 4-2 and 6-4 before a three-run fifth gave the Bravettes their 9-4 advantage.
Grace Watson’s two-run homer cut the gap to 9-6 in the sixth.
A Union error helped Caldwell score two more runs in the seventh, but the Lady Tigers could not complete the comeback.
Caldwell had four homers in the contest, with Carlee Palm, Harper Holeman and Adley Lewis adding long balls along with Watson.
Holeman finished 3-for-4 at the plate while Lewis was 2-for-4.
For Union, Ava Arnett was 3-for-3 while Miley Mendoza was 2-for-3 with a homer and three runs batted in.
Jaylen Tackett also homered while going 2-for-4. Audrey Staley, Aspen Davis and Ashlynn Hargrove were each 2-for-4 as well.
Karley Byrd was the winning pitcher for Union. She surrendered six earned runs on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks. Brooklyn Tackett pitched the final 1.2 innings, allowing two runs on two hits.
Alexis Wood suffered the loss in the circle for Caldwell. She gave up six earned runs in six innings on 14 base hits. She struck out one and walked one.
Both teams will play again on Monday. Caldwell will host McCracken County while Union will visit Owensboro.
