Bailey Wimsatt racked up double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time in 10 games pitched and kept No. 24 Lyon County quiet Thursday, leading the Graves County High School softball team to an 8-1 home victory.
Wimsatt (5-3), who fanned 14 Lyons in the complete-game win, now has 82 strikeouts in 51 innings thrown this season. Her dominant effort against LCHS held one of the state’s most dangerous offensive attacks in check and helped the host Eagles earn a regular-season split in the 1st Region vs. 2nd Region series.
The freshman fireballer got plenty of support early, as Graves struck for four runs — all with two outs — in the bottom of the first inning to take control. Ellie Davis delivered the big knock during the frame with a two-run double, which held up as the game-winning hit. That was the lone hit for Davis, who drove in a total of three runs in the contest.
After Davis’ clutch hit, freshman Anna Rogers delivered a two-run double of her own to abruptly create a 4-0 deficit for the Lyons. The Eagles ended up hitting four doubles. Gwen Munsell had one of those, as well as triple.
Lyon County, which had been averaging nine runs per outing, was held scoreless during the first five innings. The visiting Lyons finally got on the board (and their lone run) in the top of the sixth on Sydney Melton’s 13th home run of the season. The solo shot kept the SEMO signee tied for second in the state for most homers in 2021. Green County’s Tanlee Hudgins currently has the most at 14.
Melton’s blast was one of just four hits for LCHS, which dropped its second straight game after winning the 12 games prior. Lyons starter Tori Schenk lasted just one inning in the circle and gave up four hits, four runs, and a walk. Kaelyn Conger came on in relief and did ring up eight Eagles and went 2-for-3 at the plate in the loss.
Lyon County (17-8) will return to Eddyville on May 14 for its first home game in a week — a 5:30pm district matchup against Caldwell County. The Lyons defeated the Lady Tigers (8-9) by a count of 17-6 back on April 15 in the All “A” 2nd Region Tournament.
