FROM STAFF REPORTS

With the chance of hosting the upcoming Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A, Area 7 tournament still hanging in the balance, Shelby County defeated Sylacauga 6-3 to remain in the hunt.

Kaitlyn Paschall gave the Wildcats an early 1-0 lead following her homer in the top of the third inning. The solo shot was Paschall’s ninth homer of the season.

Sylacauga took a 3-1 lead in the bottom half of the inning following a three-run double in the right-center field gap.

Courtney Shields ripped a triple in the top of the fifth inning before scoring on a RBI single by Brianna Buie, which cut the Wildcats’ deficit to 3-2.

Shelby County took the lead for good in the top half of the seventh inning.

Shields started things off with a walk before Brittany Lansford followed with a single.  Shields scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Buie then got on base and scored, giving Shelby County a 4-3 lead.

After Paschall walked, Ashlyn Blackerby stepped to the plate with a chance at redemption.  With a 2-2 count, Blackerby crushed a two-run blast to left field, the first homer of her career, to give the Wildcats a 6-3 lead.

Sylacauga threatened in the seventh inning before Buie caught a fly ball at short stop to end the game.