ROCKINGHAM — A night after run-ruling its opponent, the Richmond Senior High School softball team was on the other side of the score Friday.
Returning to Sandhills Athletic Conference play, one bad inning led to the Lady Raiders’ 19-2 loss to Union Pines High School in four innings.
With the game tied 2-2 after two innings, the visiting Lady Vikings scored 14 runs in the top of the third frame. In the fourth, Union Pines scored its final three runs.
Defensive woes hindered the Lady Raiders, as the team committed seven errors in the game to Union Pines’ zero miscues.
A trio of pitchers made an appearance in the circle for Richmond, starting with senior Madelynn Pearson. She pitched three innings and allowed 11 runs (five earned) on nine hits with one strikeout.
Freshman Mackenzie Quick pitched one-third of an inning and surrendered seven runs (one earned) on one hit and one walk. Getting the final two outs in the fourth inning was sophomore Emma Rusich (one earned run, two walks).
Trailing by a pair of runs to start the bottom of the second inning, Richmond loaded the bases with two outs. Senior Trinity Lockhart recorded a run batted in when she was hit by a pitch, which moved Rusich (walk) across the plate.
Registering the Lady Raiders’ other RBI in the loss was sophomore Kalynn McCormick, who followed in the next at-bat with an infield base hit. Scoring from third to knot the score was junior Kinsie Lyerly.
Union Pines had six hits, five hit-by-pitches and three walks in its 14-run top of the third inning. Richmond also committed three errors in the frame.
The Lady Raiders recorded four hits Friday, all singles. McCormick had a team-high two base hits and Lockhart and Lyerly each connected for a hit.
Now 2-6 overall this season, and 1-3 against SAC opponents, the Lady Raiders will travel to Lee County High School (1-4, 0-2 SAC) Tuesday for another conference matchup. Richmond and the Lady Yellow Jackets will start at 7 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Statistics and game information provided by Richmond’s Game Changer.
