On the afternoon of Feb. 11, the sound of cleats hitting pavement sounded as the Lady Rattlers played Troy State their second double-header home game this season.
First to bat, Eria Williams was walked to first base in the bottom of the first inning. After outfielder Teressa Scott sacrificed a hit, Williams scored on an overthrown ball into the outfield.
“Take them how you get them.” Williams said.
In the second inning, Lady Trojan Molly Homer hit a grounder up the middle. Teammate Christi Curran smashed a double giving Homer time to score. Then as Curran tried to steal third, the ball was overthrown and she rounded to home, making the score 2-1.
In the bottom of the third, the Lady Rattlers evened up the score. After two outs, Williams got on base then stole second and third to score. The score stayed tied 2-2 until the end of the game. The tie led to an extra inning.
In the 8th inning Peggy Swift, of Troy State hit a home putting them 1 up over the Lady Rattlers. After the second out FAMU switched pitchers to Monique Mattingly for the game. Still, the Lady Rattlers gained no more points. Troy State won 3-2.
“The Lady Rattler’s speed really challenged us,” said TSU coach, Melanie Davis. “They did a great job, we were fortunate to come out with a win in the first game.”
At the second game in the top of the 3rd inning, Tamra Howren hit a single up the middle. Shortstop, Erin Flater followed with a homerun, making the score 2-0. In 4th inning the ladies of Troy State managed to score four times as the Rattlers made some important errors, making the score 6-0. In the bottom of the 4th inning the Lady Rattlers attempted to score a run, as catcher Ruby Nugent hit a single to left field. The ladies fell short as they got three outs and continued into the 5th inning with the score still 6-0.
The Rattlers accomplished a three up- three down top of the fifth inning, but nothing changed as the fifth inning ended. In the top of the 6th inning FAMU switched to #13 pitcher Danielle Brown. Sally Jones, of TSU hit a single up the middle. Erin Flater hit a double down the right field line. Then she stole third base giving teammate Jones a chance to score. Howren grounded to 2nd, putting her in position to score. Second basemen Homer popped up giving Howren the chance to score. After three outs by the Lady Rattlers the game was called as TSU topped FAMU at 8-0.
“We could have done better,” said freshman Danielle Brown. “But we’re going to do better next time.”
The Lady Rattler’s next game is Saturday February 15th against Savannah State.
Faith Gordon can be reached at destiny0000@hotmail.com