The Franklin County Rebelettes claimed an 8-3 victory over the South Pittsburg Lady Pirates in an away preseason scrimmage on Tuesday.
Franklin County’s offense came alive in the sixth and seventh innings, where they scored all eight of their runs to pull away in the exhibition game.
South Pittsburg struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning. An error allowed the leadoff batter to reach base, advance to third on a groundout, and eventually score on a wild pitch, giving the Lady Pirates a 1-0 lead.
The Rebelettes threatened in the top of the fifth when Alex Hand hit a one-out double, putting the potential tying run on second. Avari Rice entered as a courtesy runner and managed to steal third base later in the inning, but a strikeout ended the frame before she could cross home plate.
Franklin County broke through in the sixth inning with an explosive five-run surge. Paislie Edge scored the first run after an error on a ball hit by Dalayna Marshall. Courtney Wilhoit came home on a wild pitch, Addison Partin drove in a run with an RBI single, Isabella Gilliam scored on an error off Kaitlyn Montgomery’s hit, and Partin capped off the inning by scoring on a passed ball, putting the Rebelettes up 5-1.
The momentum continued in the seventh, as Franklin County tacked on three more runs. Madi Morris and Edge each hit RBI singles, while Mollye Casey added an RBI double, extending the lead to 8-1.
Under international tiebreaker rules, the teams played an extra eighth inning with a runner starting at second base. South Pittsburg managed to push across two runs in the bottom of the inning, but the Rebelettes maintained their composure and secured the 8-3 win.
Dalayna Marshall started on the mound for Franklin County, pitching three strong innings with six strikeouts, one hit, one walk, and no earned runs. Victoria Nelson followed in relief, dominating over four innings with 10 strikeouts, one hit, and one unearned run. Kaylee Morris closed the game, pitching the final inning and allowing one unearned run on two walks.
The Ladies will kick off their 2025 regular season at home against Marion County High School on Monday. The first pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.