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SMITHVILLE — The Smithville Lady Tigers varsity softball team’s season came to an end after falling just short in two games against the Salado Eagles in the area round of the playoffs Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.
Game one
The Lady Tiger s couldn’t overcome a first-inning error that allowed the Eagles to plate three runs in the bottom of the first, as Smithville dropped the series opener, 5-3.
Down 3-0 early, Smithville responded in the top of the second with a three-run home run by Addison Otto to tie the game at 3-3. Salado regained the lead in the third with an RBI groundout, then extended it to 5-3 in the fourth with an RBI double.
Smithville’s offense stalled the rest of the way, going down in order in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.
Jessica Hinnant took the loss despite a strong outing in the circle, tossing six innings and allowing just one earned run while striking out six. Otto led the offense with all three of the team’s RBIs.
Game two
Smithville battled in game two, but once again came up just short in a 2-1 loss.
Hinnant returned to the circle and delivered another strong performance, pitching a complete game with 10 strikeouts while allowing two runs.
All the scoring came in the third inning. Salado took a 2-0 lead on a two-RBI double, and Smithville answered with an RBI single from Hinnant to make it 2-1.
The Lady Tigers threatened in the final inning after Otto led off with a single, but they were unable to bring her around, as a ground ball ended the game and the series.
With the season now over, the Lady Tigers continued their historic run of success, making their sixth consecutive postseason appearance. Smithville finished the year with a 9-1 district record, securing a district championship.
