Weathers home run leads to EC win during a pitching battle

Madysen Weathers has a crowd awaiting her at home plate after her home run in the bottom of the sixth inning of Wednesday's game. Weathers has hit a home run in four of her last five games. Photo by Paula Stubbs.

SHARPSBURG-The rivalry game Wednesday between the East Coweta Lady Indians and Newnan Lady Cougars offered a little of everything for fans of the two schools.
The night opened with Frank and Catherine Deloach, parents of EC head coach Franklin Deloach, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the ballpark and threw the first pitch of the game.

Newnan's Maddie Veal looks in for a sign en route 
to recording her 500th career strikeout Wednesday.
Photo by Stuart Crosby.

Newnan's Maddie Veal recorded her 500th career strikeout as the Lady Cougars ace while allowing five hits to the Lady Indians.

However, the big moment came in the bottom of the sixth inning when Madysen Weathers drilled a 1-1 offering over the left field fence for the game's only run in a 1-0 victory.

The win improved the EC record to 8-1 on the season while Newnan suffered their first loss of the season after winning their first seven.

The Lady Cougars threatened to take the lead in the top of the first inning as Addie Smith reached on a one out walk and Veal followed with a single to left field.

Jada Savage had a three hit,
strikeout performance Wednesday night.
Photo by Paula Stubbs.

However, winning pitcher Jada Savage was able to get out of the frame unscathed when Gabi Espy grounded into a double play.

Savage retired the next six in order before surrendering a walk to Smith who was stranded at second in the top of the fourth as the next three were retired.

The Lady Indians threated need to get on the board in the second inning when Payton Roberson reached on a leadoff single and in the bottom of the fourth with her second single of the game.

However, Veal was able to leave her stranded on both occasions.

Roberson was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Lady Indians.

After retiring the next five batters, Weathers came to the plate with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning hit a pitch that quickly left the field.

The shot was the fourth game in the last five games in which Weathers has hit a home run as she continues her strong comeback effort after missing last season.

The Lady Cougars threatened to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning as Espy reached on a leadoff single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Gracie Smith.

However, Savage lived up to her last name as she retired the next two batters by strikeout to end the game.

Savage dominated the Lady Cougars in allowing three hits and allowing two walks while recording 11 strikeouts.

Weathers, Madison Duffel and Addie Joiner each finished with 1-for-3 outings in the game for EC while Addie Smith reached twice for Newnan.