Morgan shines in regional loss for Pea Ridge
Posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
ELKINS - Pea Ridge had more hits, but back-to-back controversial calls cost the Lady Blackhawks in a 3-1 loss to Charleston the Class 3 A Region 1 Softball Tournament semifinals here Monday.
Charleston (19-4 ) advanced its first two runners of the game to first base after walks were called and both runners scored later in the frame.
"Those were questionable," Pea Ridge head coach Heather Wade said. "That could go either way, but if those don't happen, that's 2 runs right there. That aside, we didn't hit the ball the way we're capable of hitting. We did a good job working in and out in pitching, but those two questionable calls cost us."
Pea Ridge (17-11 ) took a 1-0 lead in the first when Jessica Small drove in Sharla Paryzek from third. But the Lady 'Hawks were unable to do further damage. They left the bases loaded twice as they left seven on the basepaths.
Brittany Morgan allowed just 2 hits, but handed out 3 walks in the circle for Pea Ridge. Jordan McCann had the last hit for the Lady Tigers in the second inning, and Megan Cannon stole home in the frame from third after a fielder's choice and error.
"Pea Ridge is good," Charleston head coach Chad Haynes said. "Their pitcher isn't going to let you get to base. You're not going to score many runs off them, but the good teams overcome errors, come back and play solid defense."
Morgan held Charleston scoreless for four innings, but Ashley Storey was a bit better with six scoreless innings and 3 strikeouts. Storey allowed 5 hits in the win.
Pea Ridge will meet Cedarville in the regional consolation game at 3 p.m. today. Both teams garnered automatic bids for the state tournament in Pine Bluff with wins Saturday.
Charleston plays Elkins in the championship game at 5 p.m.
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