In State-Ranked Slugfest, Smithville Edges LG

The state-ranked La Grange and Smithville softball teams waged another battle Tuesday, with the Lady Tigers prevailing 14-13.

It was the second one-run game these elite teams have played in the last month, following Smithville’s 10-9 win over La Grange on March 30.

The No. 11-ranked Lady Leps’s record fell to 20-6 overall and 7-2 in district with the loss.

The No. 3-ranked Lady Tigers improved to 23-1 overall and 9-0 in district and officially clinched the district title with the win.

Things started off really well for the Lady Leps as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead midway through a second inning, but they left five runners on base in those first two frames, which would come back to haunt them.

Smithville scored eight unanswered runs to take a 8-4 lead before La Grange re-took a 10-8 lead with a six-run sixth inning.

The Lady Tigers scored three in the bottom of the sixth to lead 11-10. La Grange scored three in the top of the seventh to lead 13- 11, but Smithville scored three in the bottom of the frame to win in walk-off fashion.

Smithville’s Marlee Deleon was the winning pitcher in relief of Brooke Otto.

La Grange freshman Marissa Gonzales pitched six innings (in two different stints Tuesday) and was the losing pitcher.

Kailee Jones and Missy Muras each had three hits for the Lady Leps. Abigail Dela Rosa, Alyssa Dela Rosa and Natalie Blackwell each had two hits. Avery Marshall hit a triple and drove in three.

Deleon had three for Smithville. Kiara Trevino hit two doubles and drove in four runs.

The Lady Leps are scheduled to host Austin LBJ on Friday at 6 p.m. in the regular season finale and then it’s on to the playoffs.