Murphy – The Lady Bulldogs’ varsity softball team started Smoky Mountain Conference play with two losses to Swain County.
Both games wee close, with one being low scoring and the other high scoring.
Dogs fall 2-1
Murphy’s first conference game of the season was a close battle with the Lady Maroon Devils on March 10 as the Dogs fell 2-1.
The game started with four straight scoreless innings, then Swain got on the board with one run in the top of the fifth inning. The Lady Devils then extended their lead to 2-0 with one more run in the top of the sixth.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Dogs scored one run as Gracie Thrasher hit a solo homer. Despite having more hits and fewer errors, the Lady Dogs fell.
Along with Thrasher’s run, Lady Bulldogs Paisley Johnson and Piper Dalton also had hits. Jenna Cook picked up a stolen base.
Dogs fall 14-12
Friday’s matchup was a little different, but Swain County still got the win by making a late push. After a scoreless opening frame, both teams exploded with runs.
Murphy got on the board first in the top of the second with three runs. Swain answered with four runs to take a 4-3 lead.
The Dogs responded with a six-run third inning to take a 9-4 lead. After holding Swain scoreless in the bottom of the inning, the Dogs extended their lead to 10-4 with one run in the top of the fourth.
Swain then had a big inning as they drove home seven runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to take a 11-10 lead. The Dogs then got the lead back with two runs in the top of the fifth.
Down by one run, Swain drove in three runs in the bottom of the sixth to take a 14-12 lead. The Dogs were held scoreless in the top of the seventh.
Up next
The Lady Dogs are back on the diamond at 4:30 p.m. today as they travel to Hiwassee Dam. They will turn around and host Hiwassee Dam at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Murphy will then play host to Rosman at 4 p.m. Tuesday.