Hayesville – One day removed from losing in the bottom of the 7th, the Lady Devils found themselves in an almost identical situation Tuesday against Hayesville. After an initial flurry that saw both teams score a pair of runs over the first two innings, the game settled into a pitchers dual. The Jackets scratched out the go ahead run in the bottom of the 5th inning. Swain entered the 7th trailing 3-2, just the same as the ended Mondays game. This time the Lady Devils made sure they gave themselves a cushion by scoring 4 runs in the top of the 7th, then shut down the Jackets rally attempt in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-3 win.
The game started off much to the Yellow Jackets liking. Hayesville scored twice and had runners on 2nd and 3rd with no one out. But the Lady Devils managed to wiggle out of the jam with some nifty defense. After starting pitcher Stacey Griggs struck out a batter, the next hitter grounded back Griggs, who threw to 1st for the first out and then Shayne Catolster alertly threw to catcher Kenzie Eagleman who tagged out the would be Jacket runner.
Swain scored first, in the top of the 1st. Grace Cabe opened the game with a single. Cabe stole 2nd, and was able to advance to 3rd as the ball was overthrown on the steal. Cabe would score on a Shayne Catolster ground out.
The Lady Devils tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd. Alissa Smith opened the inning with a single, Kyndle Jones followed that with another solid single. Both advanced on a wild pitch, giving Swain runners at 2nd and 3rd with no one out. Alyssa Haymond singled to score Smith and advance Jones. But the Lady Devils could not manage any more runs, leaving the score tied at 2.
In the decisive 7th the Lady Devils opened the inning with Alyssa Haymond reaching on an error. Kendall Bowers followed by beating out a sacrifice bunt. Grace Cabe followed with rocket to left centerfield, scoring both Haymond and Bowers, giving Swain the lead at 4-3. Kenzie Eagleman promptly tripled to left center, scoring Cabe. Shayne Catolster lined a single to right field scoring Eagleman with the Lady Devils final run of the game.
Eagleman finished the game 3-4 with an rbi and a run scored. Grace Cabe and Alissa Smith were 2-4, with Cabe scoring twice and knocking a pair of runs.
In the circle Kenzie Eagleman picked up the win, working 6 strong innings. She struck out 3 and walked 3 while scattering 3 hits and giving up only 1 run.