State-bound Mid-Buchanan took advantage of a couple of first inning defensive miscues last Thursday and scored the only runs they would need as they defeated Gallatin, 3-0, to advance in the Class 2 state playoffs.
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Lady Dragon pitcher Katie Wood was nearly untouchable as she allowed only a third inning single to Ashley Owens and seventh inning single to Shelby Chadwick. Wood struck out nine batters, including three straight to end the game.
Gallatin pitcher Carly Boyd, coming off three wins in a tough district tournament, kept her team in the running by allowing only one earned run in the final six innings. She struck out three, walked none, and consistently pitched herself out of trouble.
Catcher Maggie Strange flashed her talent behind the plate by throwing out a pair of runners on the bases.
Gallatin managed to put together scoring threats in each of the sixth and seventh innings.
Jennifer Acree was nailed by a Wood pitch to lead off the sixth, but was forced out on Owens’ infield grounder. Owens stole second and moved to third on Courtney Ray’s fly to right, but the inning ended on a ground ball put out by Wood.
Chadwick led off the seventh with a single and Nicole Everman walked on four pitches, but the next three GHS batters all took called third strikes.
The Lady Bulldogs finished the season with an overall record of 19-8 and second place finish (tied at 7-2) in the Grand River Conference.
Mid-Buchanan defeated Westran, 1-0, in Saturday’s quarterfinal round, and advances to the state tournament in Columbia this weekend.