RAEFORD — Trying to hand the conference leader its first conference loss of the season Tuesday, the Richmond Senior High School softball team wasn’t able to get the job done.
Playing on the road at Hoke County High School, the Lady Raiders suffered a 9-1 loss.
With the win, the Lady Bucks opened their lead in the standings to two games over second-place Richmond.
Richmond was only able to connect for one hit off starting pitcher Niya Jones, who pitched a complete game for Hoke County.
The Lady Bucks scored two runs in the first and two runs in the third inning to take a 4-0 lead.
With two outs in the top of the fourth, freshman Claire Clark drove in the team’s only run on an RBI triple. Scoring from first was senior Hayden Robinson, who drew a leadoff walk and was Richmond’s only other base runner.
Hoke County added to its lead with three runs in the fourth and its final two runs in the fifth inning.
Pitching for Richmond were sophomore Mackenzie Quick (four innings) and junior Emma Rusich (two innings).
Quick gave up seven earned runs on five hits with four strikeouts, and Rusich allowed two earned runs on four hits with two Ks.
Taking a break from MSC action, Richmond (5-9, 3-2 MSC) will host non-conference rival Scotland High School (10-7) Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Sports Editor’s Note: Game information and statistics provided by Richmond’s GameChanger.
