Published: April 17, 2008 11:48 pm            

6th inning proves charm for Rams

Cousins Vanhoose, Miller combine for 21 strikeouts

ASHLAND — Raceland made the most of one big inning against Ashland in a matchup of 16th Region softball contenders.

Stymied by Ashland starter Katelyn Miller through five innings, Raceland came alive in the sixth to win 3-2 on a made-to-order Thursday evening.

Raceland parlayed four singles, a couple of Ashland fielding miscues and some alert baserunning into a three-run sixth inning.

“Katelyn Miller did a great job of keeping us off balance until then,’’ said Lady Rams coach Jason Clark. “After seeing her a couple of times through the order, the girls got their timing down. We were fortunate to find a few (fielding) mistakes and to find some green in the outfield.’’

Jesse Clark led off the inning with an infield single. She took second on a wild pitch, briefly stopped at third on Kala Blevins’ one-out single and then came in to score after the ball was thrown in from the outfield.

Blevins scored from second base on seventh-grader Bree Grubb’s two-out single. Kasey Lewis followed with a line drive that got past Ashland’s center fielder, allowing Grubb to come around for a 3-1 lead.

“Grubb and Blevins had those clutch hits that gave us a lot of momentum,’’ Jason Clark said. “I couldn’t be happier for Kasey Lewis. She hit a rocket the other day against Greenup County that the girl made an unbelievable catch on. I’m glad for her Kasey to find the groove. She was much overdue.’’

Ashland didn’t go quietly, however. Nancy Rice and Allie Osborne each hit doubles in the bottom of the sixth to pull their team within 3-2.

In the seventh, Ashland’s Whitney Phillips drew a two-out walk and stole second. But Raceland pitcher Paige Vanhoose struck out Miller to end the game.

“Paige is a fierce competitor,’’ Clark said. “I will take her in a one-run game in the seventh inning anytime.’’

Vanhoose and Miller, who are cousins, waged a dandy pitching battle. Vanhoose finished with 10 strikeouts and only one walk, while Miller struck out 11 and walked two.

“Paige pitched a great game,’’ said Ashland coach Dave Miller, whose team had a six-game winning streak snapped. “This was our lowest hit production (six) in a while. The last six games we’ve had at least 10 hits. I thought Katelyn threw well and had good control. The defense has to step up. We just went a little brain dead in that sixth inning.’’

Ashland’s Allie Osborne opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo homer over the center-field fence. Eighth-grader Emily Preece also had two hits for Ashland (8-4).

“I really feel both of these teams can contend for the 16th Region championship,’’ Clark said. “Obviously, you’ve got to throw Russell and Rowan County in there, and that’s not to leave anybody out. Ashland is a very good team with excellent coaching.’’

Raceland improved to 9-3 and extended its winning streak to five games.

“This is a good game for us going into the (regional) All “A’’ Classic on Saturday,’’ Clark said.

The Lady Rams are scheduled to play at 2 p.m. against the Rose Hill Christian-Bath County winner. Menifee County is the tournament host.

RACELAND 000 003 0 — 3 5 1

ASHLAND 010 001 0 — 2 6 5

Vanhoose and Lewis; Miller and Amburgey. W—Vanhoose. L—Miller. 2B—Rice (A), A. Osborne (A). HR—A. Osborne (A).

        

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