HUNTER COOKSTON
Writer
The South Pittsburg Lady Pirates were just one win away from sweeping Whitwell for the year. Their first victory secured the regular season District Championship, the second clinched the District Tournament title, and the third would crown them Region Champions. Last Wednesday, South Pittsburg accomplished the sweep, defeating Whitwell 2-1.
Senior Kaylee Kilgore took the mound for South Pittsburg. The Chattanooga State signee was dominant, recording 12 strikeouts while allowing just three hits, one run, and no walks in a complete-game performance. Whitwell’s Jacie Willis also delivered a strong outing, pitching six innings and giving up six hits and two earned runs.
The Lady Tigers struck first in the top of the first inning when Kasie Britton tripled, driving in Willis to give Whitwell an early 1-0 lead. Kilgore responded by helping her own cause, bringing in a run. Sophie Stalyon followed with another RBI for South Pittsburg, putting the Lady Pirates ahead 2-1. That score held for the remainder of the game—an unusual outcome, with all the action decided in the opening inning.
Kilgore finished strong, retiring the final nine batters she faced. Macy Mashburn had a standout night at the plate, going 2-for-3. Kilgore and Stalyon were responsible for the Lady Pirates’ only runs.
South Pittsburg hosted Jo Byrns in a Sub-State game last Friday but ultimately fell short, 2-1, bringing an incredible season to a close. The Lady Pirates finished with a 12-10 record and captured three championships. Though they came up just shy of their ultimate goal, it was another remarkable season for South Pittsburg softball.
