SIXTH INNING HOMER BY LADY CARDS TAKES DISTRICT TITLE FROM LADY LIONS

GENTRY -- A grand slam home run by Farmington's Shayley Treat in the top of the sixth inning ended the Gravette Lady Lions' hope for the 2019 4A-1 conference championship.

After defeating the Pea Ridge Lady Blackhawks earlier in the week, the Lady Lions advanced to the championship round played at Pioneer softball field in Gentry April 26.

Farmington kicked off the contest with two runs in the bottom of the first inning, leading Gravette 2-0. In the fourth inning Gravette's Bailey Elmore hit a single run homer over right-center field wall, cutting Farmington's lead to one.

In the top of the fifth, five runs gave the Lady Lions a 6-2 lead. Just when it looked like the Lady Lions would walk away with the win, a grand slam homer by Treat, coupled with an additional four runs later in the inning gave the Lady Cardinals the lead for good, winning the conference championship 10-6 over the Lady Lions.

Leading the way in the hitting department for Gravette was Elmore with two runs, one hit and one RBI, followed by Lexi Gerner with one run, two hits and one RBI.

The Lady Lions had 28 at-bats, six runs on 10 hits and six runs batted in. Gravette had six walks and five strikeouts. Farmington had 31 at-bats, 10 runs on 13 hits and 10 RBIs with three walks and three strikeouts.

Cally Kildow was in the circle for the Lady Lions. Kildow completed 5.2 innings, delivering 134 pitches. She allowed 13 hits, 10 runs, striking out three, walking three and allowing one home run. She was relieved by Elmore, who completed the contest, throwing five pitches.

McKenzi Bogan took the circle for the Lady Cardinals. She completed seven innings, delivering 116 pitches. She allowed 10 hits (including a home run), six runs (all earned), striking out five, walking six.

The Gravette Lady Lions finish the regular season with an overall record of 14-7, 5-3 in the conference, and 1-1 in post-season play. The Lady Lions will advance to the 4A North regional tournament in Farmington May 2 at 5:30 p.m. against the third-place team in the 4A-4 conference.

Check the Gravette High School website for changes in schedules due to weather.