Fayetteville – Two days removed from a win over Hedgesville in a pitcher’s duel, Sophia found itself in another nail-biter Tuesday night against Hite Saunders from Huntington in the Little League Softball State Tournament played at Fayetteville Town Park.
Unfortunately for Sophia, this one did not go its way.
With both teams struggling to score all game, Hite Saunders pushed a run across in the first inning and made it stand for a 1-0 win.
Harley Martin tossed a complete game, three-hit shutout and struck-out 14 batters. Martin also scored the only run of the night to lead the ladies from Huntington.
Martin opened the game with a double and scored on a single from Brynn Vanatter.
Kylee Jones, Hailey Lemon and Kenleigh Whitt had one hit each for Sophia. Jones was also dominant in the circle allowing just the one run and three hits, while striking out nine.
Sophia is still alive in the double-elimination format and needs a win Wednesday against Man to advance to the championship semifinals Thursday.
Game time for Sophia is 5:30 p.m.
