Late offense propels Russellville to win

Tharptown shortstop Haley Malone retires Russellville’s Ally Willis at second before throwing to first in an attempt to complete a double play Monday. | Scot Beard/FCT

Russellville’s Amber Howard broke open a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning with an inside-the-park home run to help the Lady Golden Tigers beat Tharptown 4-0 in eighth-grade softball action.

Howard’s solo homer sparked an offensive explosion by Russellville in which five other players got hits in the bottom of the fourth.

Tharptown was in position to score early when Bailey Phillips reached third in the top of the first inning, but was stranded. In the second inning Tharptown had runners at first and second with two outs, but a base running error ending the inning before the Lady Wildcats could score.

Howard led the Lady Golden Tigers offensively by reaching base on a fielder’s choice in addition to her homer. Also reaching base for Russellville were Morgan George, who hit a double and Ally Willis, Chloe Brownel, Madilyn Price and Ashley Dunstan, who all singled.

Phillips, Kathy Alfaro and Shelby Palmer all had a single for Tharptown.