Abigail McPherson struck out 13 batters including the final out with the tying run at third base to help Todd County Central beat Trigg County 7-6 in the 2021 season opener for both teams.
The sophomore pitched all but one inning, allowing four earned runs. McPherson also helped herself at the plate with two hits and two RBIs, including a run-scoring double in the fifth inning that put the Lady Rebels up 5-3. Jocelyn Mock followed with an RBI double for a 6-3 Todd lead.
Trigg got a run back in the sixth when Rylee Hendricks led off the inning with a solo home run to centerfield. Phelan Dossett singled and later scored on an Ashlyn Brown single to left to get the Lady Wildcats to within 6-5.
An untimely Trigg error in the sixth inning helped the Lady Rebels notch the insurance run they needed for a 7-5 lead.
Trigg loaded the bases in the top of the seventh. Makenna Hendricks scored Avery Wade on a sacrifice fly to get the Lady Wildcats to within 7-6. After a walk, McPherson got the final out to preserve the Lady Rebel win.
Mock had three hits and three RBIs for the Lady Rebels, while Sam Case joined McPherson with two hits.
Trigg County, who started five middle schoolers for first-year coach Ashley Denfip, got three hits from Dossett, the lone senior starter. Rylee Hendricks and Ashlyn Brown each had two hits for the Lady Wildcats.
Emma West struck out three and allowed nine hits in 4.1 innings in taking the loss in her first varsity start.
Todd County will travel to McLean County Thursday, while Trigg County will host Hopkinsville Tuesday.
