Lady Trojans capitalize on errors to win in final inning

Lady Trojan first baseman Emiley Angle gloves a pick-off throw from catcher Haley Cleaver, but not in time to erase a Lafayette base runner.

Alan Chamberlain photo

New Kent’s Lady Trojans carried a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning when Lafayette’s visiting Rams tied the affair. But the hosts capitalized on Ram mistakes in the seventh to salvage a 3-2 victory in Thursday’s softball regular season finale.

“Things worked out in our favor this time,” said Lady Trojan coach Nicole O’Bier, pointing to the home half of the seventh when her team capitalized on a Paige Simpson single and two Lafayette errors to secure the win.

Simpson stroked a one-out single to left field and took second on a throwing error on the play. The next batter, Annie Gray, grounded to third, but a throwing error to first enabled Simpson to race home for the winning run.

New Kent jumped in front in the first as Simpson walked and later scored on a Peyton Slater ground out. Then in the third, Abby Spangler led off with a double, eventually scoring on a passed ball.

Lady Trojan pitcher Amanda Harding had a shutout going with one away in the sixth, but a pair of singles and a two-run double erased New Kent’s lead. Harding, however, regained composure to go the distance, scattering six hits while striking out four.

New Kent finishes the regular season at 6-14. The Lady Trojans take to the road for Monday’s Conference 25 tournament opening round at Park View-South Hill High School at 5 p.m.