CHARLOTTESVILLE — The Eastern Hancock Royals rallied late, scoring twice in the sixth and twice in the eighth inning to beat Lapel softball 5-3 Thursday, May 18.
The Bulldogs end the regular season at 12-11, and the Royals are 18-6.
Eastern Hancock tied the game at three in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run single by freshman Paige Wickard, setting the stage for junior Micah Black’s two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the eighth to win it.
Sophie Cline was the hard-luck losing pitcher for the Bulldogs, but pitched well. She pitched all seven innings, giving up three earned runs and eight hits. She also had two hits and an RBI at the plate.
Sophomore Kylie Rich had three hits and scored twice to lead the Lapel offense while juniors Jasmine Hazelbaker and Taylor Murdock each drove in a run.
The Bulldogs play the Frankton Eagles in Frankton at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 23, in the first round of sectional action.
