It was a thrilling finish on Thursday, as the Taylor County Varsity Lady Cardinals edged out the North Hardin Varsity Lady Trojans, 3-2, in a walk-off victory that sealed their spot in the upcoming state tournament. The game was tied at 2 in the bottom of the seventh inning when an error allowed the winning run to cross the plate.
Both teams showed off their pitching skills, with strong performances from both sides. The Lady Cards’ pitchers struck out four, while North Hardin’s staff recorded seven strikeouts.
North Hardin struck first in the game, with Ty’Keria Davis hitting a single down the left field line and Maddie Spraggins following up with a fielder’s choice that brought in a run in the top of the first inning.
Taylor County’s Lady Cards fought back, and the game remained tied at 2 until the dramatic final inning. A pair of errors allowed Taylor County to take the lead and secure the victory in a nail-biting finish.
Maddie Hunt was credited with the win for Taylor County, pitching a complete game. She allowed four hits, two runs (both earned), struck out four, and walked two. For North Hardin, Brooklyn Carmickle was tagged with the loss after going six and two-thirds innings, giving up three runs (one earned) on just two hits, striking out seven, and walking four.
At the plate, Taylor County’s Raegan Cundiff and Claire Melton each registered a hit, with Adelyn Bradstreet contributing an RBI. The Lady Cards also showcased their defense, turning two key double plays during the game.
North Hardin’s Davis was the standout hitter, collecting one of the team’s four hits and driving in one of their two runs. Addisen Vinton, Carmickle, Jacie Cain, and Davis all chipped in with a hit apiece.
With the victory, the Taylor County Lady Cardinals have now officially punched their ticket to next week’s state tournament, where they will look to continue their playoff run.