No. 11 Softball drops heartbreaker to No. 8 Jones County

No. 11 Softball drops heartbreaker to No. 8 Jones County

No. 11 Softball drops heartbreaker to No. 8 Jones County
Lee Adams/LetsGoICC.com

ELLISVILLE, MS – The No. 11 Itawamba Community College softball dropped game one against No. 8 Jones County Junior College Friday in heartbreaking fashion as the Bobcats picked up a 3-1 win on a two run walk off home run.

The battle between the two nationally ranked squads was as advertised with ICC southpaw Katlin McDuffy (Iuka) and Jones' ace Rachel Hayes were locked in a pitcher's duel from the first pitch. 

The Indians (33-7, 18-5 MACJC) trailed early after a solo home run by Kelly Byrd in the opening frame, but Addie Thompson (Hamilton) scores on a passed ball in the fourth to tie the contest.

McDuffy and Hayes had outstanding outings with McDuffy retiring 11 of 12 batters in the middle of the game and Hayes holding the powerful Indian offense to only three hits and striking out 10.

After being sett down in order in the sixth, the Lady Bobcats (30-6, 19-2 MACJC) opened the final frame with a double and Hayes ended the pitcher's duel with a walk off home run to center field. 

McDuffy was hit with the loss and falls to 13-3 this season despite allowing only six hits in the contest.

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