LONDON — South Laurel’s Kenzie Williams is known for her dominance in the pitcher’s circle, but she’s pretty darn good swinging the bat, too.
Case in point — the freshman’s three-run homer breaking up a six-all tie in the top of the seventh inning to give the Lady Cardinals a 9-6 win over crosstown rival North Laurel.
South Laurel built leads of 5-0 in the third inning and 6-3 in the top of the sixth inning only to see the Lady Jaguars score three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to tie the game at six apiece thanks to a two-run single by Emma Carl, and a run-scoring single by Bella Sizemore.
But it was Williams who had the final say, as her three-run blast gave her team a 9-6 edge in the top of the seventh, and she slammed the door shut, striking out two North Laurel batters in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win.
Williams finished 2-for-4 at the plate with three RBI and one run scored while getting the win in the pitcher’s circle. She pitched a complete game, allowing nine hits and six earned runs while striking out six batters.
“Proud of how we started the game,” South Laurel coach Carly Mink said. “I thought we lost some energy in the middle of the game but came up with some big at bats to finish.
“This is a good win, but there’s things we need to take from this game to get better,” she added. “Very proud that after it became tied 6-6, we were able to find a way to put together some good at bats and get a lead back. We’re still focusing on getting better each day.”
Bailey Frazier finished 3-for-4 with two RBI for the Lady Cardinals (6-2) while Amara Horn, and Emmie Rice both delivered run-scoring hits — Rice’s was a home run.
Carl went 2-for-3 with four RBI and a run scored for North Laurel (3-3) while Bella Finley finished 2-for-2. Bella Sizemore delivered a run-scoring hit while Saige McClure connected with a home run, finishing with a hit, and an RBI.
Tessa Monhollen started the game for the Lady Jaguars, lasting 4 1/3 of an inning while allowing six hits and one earned run and finishing with four strikeouts. Carl tossed 2 2/3 of an inning, allowing four hits, and four earned runs while striking out three batters.
