Lady Patriots win in bottom of eighth

The Marshall Academy softball team literally walked it off versus Magnolia Heights School Thursday at home.

Kendall Matthews started the bottom of the eighth inning with a double, and later scored on a bases-loaded walk by teammate Kyleigh Milliorn. The Class 3A Lady Patriots won 8-7 and avenged a loss earlier in the season to the 4A Lady Chiefs.

Magnolia Heights went up 1-0 in the top of the first, but MA answered with five in the bottom of the inning. The Lady Chiefs knotted the contest at 5 in the top of the third. Marshall went back on top 7-5 before the visiting squad scored two to tie again in the seventh.

In the top of the extra inning, MA third baseman Gracie Rappa recorded all three outs, two coming on a double play.

In the bottom of the eighth, after Matthews doubled, Aubrey Brigance was intentionally walked and Aurora Cervantes singled to load the bases for Milliorn, who earned the game-winning base on balls.

Leading the Marshall offense were Eliza Cavender and Matthews with two hits each. Cavender also drove in two runs. MA had eight hits and earned six walks. Charlie Johnson stole two bases.

Milliorn pitched all eight innings and picked up the win. She struck out six, walked two, and gave up 13 hits and five earned runs. MA committed four fielding errors and Magnolia Heights five.

The Lady Patriots (7-6) hosted Lee Academy on Tuesday of this week. They will play in the Brookhaven Tournament Saturday. Next Monday, Sept. 8, they visit Kirk Academy, and Tuesday, Sept. 9, they host North Delta.