The Todd County Central Lady Rebels looked to be in deep trouble Monday night. Going into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Lady Rebels trailed 7-2 and their season was down to its final three outs.
But call them resilient, or say they have buckets loads of heart. Whatever you call it, just say that the Lady Rebels had it Monday night.
Todd County Central rallied with five runs in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game and then walked off with a game-winner in the bottom of the 8th as the Lady Rebels stunned Russellville 8-7 in the 13th District semifinals Monday night in Franklin.
Russellville seemingly had control of this one after scoring four runs in the top of the second to take a 4-0 lead and then nudged the lead out to 7-2 going into the bottom of the seventh.
The Lady Rebels opened the seventh with a Bailey Harper single and then two walks. And then, up comes Naomi Gammon. Gammon took an 0-2 pitch and smashed it over the left field fence. The grand slam brought the Lady Rebels to within 7-6.
With two outs, it was time for the other half of the ‘Naomi Network’ to do her thing. With two outs, and the season hanging on by a thread, Naomi Welborn took one over the centerfield fence to tie the game at 7-7.
The Lady Rebels sat the Lady Panthers down in the top of the 8th and then got their chance to finish off the comeback.
Abigail Choate singled to lead off the inning and then moved up to second on a sacrifice. Bailey Harper walked and then Isabelle Hightower grounded back to the pitcher. Choate was able to beat the throw to the plate and the Lady Rebels were on to the final and the 4th Region tournament.
A monster night for Naomi Gammon, who ended up 3-4 with two home runs and five RBIs. Naomi Welborn was 1-4 with the huge home run and one RBI.
Olivia Weikel picked up the win in relief. She pitched the final six innings, giving up three runs, two of them earned, on six hits, striking out six, and walking three.
