Italy Lady Gladiators answer the bell and come out swinging against Bosqueville
Lady Gladiator Jaclynn Lewis(15) pitches to teammate Alyssa Richards(9) before the game between Italy and Bosqueville. (Barry Byers)
Italy — The Italy Lady Gladiators sent an early message, no, a shockwave thru the UIL 1A Region II bracket after blasting one hit after another past Bosqueville Lady Bulldog defenders to get their regional quarterfinal round off to a good start. Before the first-inning dust had cleared, Italy lead 2-0.
Relentless in their attack, catcher Alyssa Richards and pitcher Jaclynn Lewis carried the fight to the infield where they combined to keep Bosqueville caged up with one Lady Bulldog batter after another whimpering back to the dugout. Rounding out the infield for Italy was first baseman Katie Byers, second baseman, Bailey Eubank, shortstop Madison Washington and third baseman Paige Westbrook who played error free going into the fifth-inning.
Italy’s opening outfield consisted of left fielder Tara Wallis, center fielder Kelsey Nelson and right fielder Morgan Cockerham who received more action than usual over the course of the game. Cockerham made an over-the-shoulder catch down the right field foul line for an early out to swing momentum to Italy’s side followed by two catches in left field by Tara Wallis who made a diving effort for the second.
After Bosqueville generated a run off a well hit triple to centerfield to make the score 2-1, Italy’s Bailey Eubank slapped her way onto second base and eventually slid safely into third. Moments later, Eubank scored to put Italy up 3-1 thanks to a perfectly executed bunt by Kelsey Nelson.
Bosqueville responded by loading the bases on Lewis. With 2 outs and 2 strikes in the top of the fifth, however, the game was delayed at 8:18 p.m. due to lightning and eventually called about 25 minutes later. Both coaching staffs helped tarp the field in preparation for a 1:00 p.m. start on Saturday to finish the game before continuing the best 2-out of-3.
The all important, drama-filled pitch from Lewis, which will hopefully end the top half of the inning and preserve Italy’s 2 run advantage, would have to wait a little more than 16 hours before leaving the sophomores hand.