Sparkman takes control in win over Bob Jones
Sparkman’s Janna Korak led the attack in an 18-7 win over Bob Jones.
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- With their backs against the wall, Bob Jones came out swinging in a key area game against Sparkman Tuesday night. Still looking for their first area win of the season, the Patriots trailed early 3-0 but fought back to take a brief one run lead in the third inning. However, Sparkman blew the game open with an eight run fourth inning and won 18-7 in seven innings.
The big blow for Bob Jones was a three-run home run by Cheyenne Beacraft but it would be the only highlight of the game for the Patriots.
In the fourth inning some defensive miscues led to Sparkman loading the bases and Bevia Robinson belted a grand slam to chase Bob Jones starting pitcher Annabelle Smith. Alex Brown relieved but Sparkman added two more runs to go up 11-4.
Bob Jones struck back with three runs in their fourth inning which prompted Sparkman coach Dale Palmer to replace starter Sam Mayhall with Meg Willis. Willis came in with bases loaded and one out and limited Bob Jones to one run on a throwing error.
Willis worked a one-two-three fifth. She shut out Bob Jones the rest of the game by working three scoreless innings, striking out three.
Palmer said that Willis was the difference in the game.
“We were having trouble spotting the ball and giving up too many base runners.”
“It was quiet impressive what she did. Her drop ball was really working well,” Palmer said. “She made them take some bad swings at some good pitches. She was able to not walk anybody and give us a chance. She has really stepped up her game the last few weeks.”
Catcher Taylor Hurford put the game out of reach for the class 6A top-ranked Senators with a two run double in the seventh.
Sparkman is on a roll since an upset home loss to Buckhorn on March 12. They defeated Hazel Green 10-0 to pick up their first area win and now stand at 2-1. Bob Jones falls to 0-3 in the area race. The teams will play again at Sparkman on April 23.
Over spring break Sparkman won eleven games without a loss to win the Gulf Shores Spring Break Classic.
“It’s a huge win for us in the area race. Any time you come to Bob Jones and get a win it’s a big deal,” Palmer said.
Jana Korak had a walk, two hits, and scored three runs to lead Sparkman.
