Shuler had a pair of hits and drove in 3 runs
Bryson City – The setting was eerily familiar for the two old rivals. Swain and Murphy entered Tuesday undefeated in the SMC, a place the two had found themselves many times over the years. But this one turned out totally different. Swain used 9 Bulldog errors in route to a stunning 15-4 win.
The game opened up looking every bit like it was going to be a close affair. Swain jumped out on top by scoring in the bottom of the 1st. Senior Taylor Shuler doubled scoring Sydney Call. Shanye Catolster was thrown out at the plate, Catolster had doubled earlier in the inning.
Murphy would respond in the top of the 2nd. McKena Jones took a 2-2 pitch and deposited it over the centerfield fence for a 3 run home run. Jones’ home run game Murphy a 3-1 lead.
Swain answered in the bottom of the 2nd. Senior Adriana Kaylor singled to start the inning. Gabby Jones followed with a walk. Caitlyn Dills reached when Murphy was unable to handle her hard hit ball. Bryar Buchanan hit into a fielders choice, forcing Dills at second, but scoring Kaylor. Gabby Jones pulled off a delayed steal of home, on the play Buchanan advanced to third and scored when Karie Jones grounded out. When the dust settled the Lady Devils had taken the lead back 4-3.
Murphy tied things back up in the 3rd. Avery Satterfield, who singled to start the inning, came around to score on an Elizabeth Wiley double.
Swain took the lead back, this time for good, in the bottom of the 3rd. Sydney Call doubled to start the inning, and would advance to 3rd on a passed ball. Taylor Shuler would drive Call home as she reached on an error.
After retiring the Bulldogs in order in the top of the 4th, Swain continued to stretch their lead. Caitlyn Dills started the inning with a single, Alicia Green came on to run for DIlls. Green advanced to third on ground outs by Buchanan and Jones. Erin Jenkins reached on an error scoring Green. Sydney Call followed by reaching on another Bulldog error. Both runners advanced on a passed ball. Shayne Catolster singled scoring Jenkins and advancing Call. Taylor Shuler followed with a single to score Call from third. Swain ended their half of the 4th with an 8-4 lead.
Swain retired the side in order again in the Bulldogs 5th, then exploded for 7 runs, which ended the game by 10 run rule.
Adriana Kaylor went 3-4 and scored a pair of runs for Swain. Shayne Catolster, Taylor Shuler, and Alicia Green had two hits each. Shuler would finish with 3 rbi, Catolster with 2, while Karie Jones and Bryar Buchanan finished with 2 each.
Karie Jones earned her 3rd win of the season in the circle. Jones scattered 6 hits, none after the 3rd inning, walked 1 and struck out none in working 5 full innings.