It is a big moment when a player comes up with the big hit of the game. It is also a big moment when a player makes the big defensive play that possibly saves the game for her team. When you do both, it is a pretty doggone good afternoon at the ole ballpark.
That is exactly what happened for Caldwell County’s Emma Staples Monday afternoon in the opening round of the 2nd Region softball tournament at Hopkins Central. Staples led off the game with a triple, and then scored three pitches later on a wild pitch for the only run of the game as the Caldwell County Lady Tigers advanced to the regional semifinals with a 1-0 win over Webster County.
Not only did Staples score the only run of the game, she made the defensive play of the season for Caldwell County in the bottom of the second inning. With one out, Hadlee Carter hit a shot to left field that, if it falls, would have been at least a triple, if not an inside the park home run. Staples going to her left, stretched out for all she was worth, caught the ball in the far end of the webbing in her glove, and then held on to the ball as she hit the ground, for a play ESPN would have been proud to have aired on its daily highlights.
Not only did Staples come up big in the game Monday, but pitcher Katie Franklin had a stellar afternoon as well, holding Webster County to just three hits, striking out four, and walking none. Her counterpart, Webster County’s Karlie Keeney was really good as well, giving up only the one first inning run, on three hits, striking out nine, while walking only one.
The win avenges a season opening loss to the Lady Trojans for Caldwell County, and moves them into the semifinals against 5th District champion Crittenden County.
