Bradwell Institute’s softball team rolled to a 17-4 win in four innings over the Statesboro High Blue Devils on Monday in Hinesville.
The Blue Devils took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but BI answered immediately, tying the game in the bottom of the inning. The Tigers took a 3-0 lead when senior Chelsi Shutts was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Later, a sacrifice bunt brought in another run for the Lady Tigers for a 4-2 lead.
Statesboro came back to score two in the next inning. The Lady Tigers would shut them down the remainder of the game.
The Blue Devils also committed errors that allowed the Lady Tigers to run away with the scoring.
With bases loaded, the Blue Devils tossed a wild pitch, giving BI a run. A second wild pitch scored another Lady Tiger run. MacKenzie Stewart brought in a run, and Jessica Puckett bunted in a run for an 8-4 lead.
The Lady Tigers’ base running brought in four more runs. Kasey Smith hit to center field and headed for second. The Blue Devils second baseman was called for interference, and Smith was allowed to advance to third base. Shania Eldridge popped up, but the ball was dropped by the infield, scoring Smith.
The Lady Tigers added two more runs, and Smith drove in another two runs. Smith later scored the final run.
Melissa Gregory was 3 for 4 at the plate with two RBIs. Puckett was 2 of 2, including a double and two RBIs. Smith was 2 of 2 with a double and a triple and four RBIs. Shutts, Eldridge, Jakaria Fleming and Leana Carrette had one RBI each. Bradwell pounded out 15 hits in the game.     
“We started a little slow, but we never quit,” assistant coach Jeff Eastlake said. “Kasey started the spark, and the rest of the team followed suit … being patience at the plate was big … and we had a good defensive game.”
Stewart pitched the first two innings, earning the win. She struck out two and walked one. Smith came in the last two innings for relief, tossing four strikeouts.
Going into Tuesday’s action, the lady Tigers hold a 3-9 overall record and 2-4 Region 3B-AAAA mark.
The Lady Tigers were scheduled to play Tuesday at Glynn; results were unavailable at press time. Bradwell will host Richmond Hill at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.