Hendersonville High teammates greet senior pitcher Carley Carlisle at home plate following her first-inning home run during Thursday’s contest against Portland. Carlisle homered twice and also collected nine strikeouts in earning the pitching victory.
HENDERSONVILLE In a rare split doubleheader, the Hendersonville High softball team earned two District 9-AAA victories over a span of three hours on Thursday evening.
The Lady Commandos defeated visiting Portland 8-1 in the opener before edging Wilson Central 4-3 in the nightcap at Griffin-Crandell Field.
Senior Carley Carlisle homered twice against Portland, driving in three runs while striking out nine Lady Panthers in four innings in the pitcher’s circle and earning the victory.
Hendersonville High junior Matti Byrd swings at a first-inning pitch during Thursday’s contest against Portland.
Portland (11-20-1 overall, 5-7 in District 9-AAA) scored its lone run in the sixth inning when senior Bethany Bennett singled into centerfield, scoring classmate Keely McGee from second base.
Senior Hollie Kepley led the Lady Panthers with two of their four hits.
Hendersonville scored three runs in the second inning against Wilson Central via two errors and a passed ball.
Portland High senior Keely McGee beats a throw from Hendersonville senior Carley Carlisle (right) to junior first baseman Annsley Kalamon during fourth-inning action.
The Lady Commandos only had three hits, but Wilson Central committed three errors.
Senior Hannah Thompson allowed three runs and five hits over five innings, earning the pitching victory. Thompson struck out two hitters and walked three.
Carlisle tossed two scoreless innings of relief to close the game, striking out five hitters to earn the save.
Portland High sophomore Rachel Jennings hits a third-inning pitch during Thursday’s game at Hendersonville.
The Lady Commandos improved to 30-12-1 overall with the two victories and 9-3 in District 9-AAA play, a half-game behind Wilson Central (10-3) and one game behind Beech (10-2).
The Lady Commandos travel to Lebanon on Friday and host Beech on Tuesday. Wilson Central travels to Mt. Juliet on Friday to finish district play.
Portland 000 001 0 – 1 4 6
Hendersonville 301 130 x – 8 4 3
Allie Tomlinson and Hollie Kepley; Carley Carlisle, Hannah Thompson (5) and Matti Byrd. WP – Carlisle (19-7). LP – Tomlinson (11-19-1). Home runs: Hendersonville – Carlisle 2 (6, 7). Records: Portland 11-20-1 overall, 5-7 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 29-12-1, 8-3.
Wilson Central 010 020 0 – 3 5 3
Hendersonville 031 000 x – 4 3 1
Kaylee Richetto and Savannah Tidwell; Hannah Thompson, Carley Carlisle (6) and Matti Byrd. WP – Thompson (11-5-1), LP – Richetto. Save – Carlisle. Records: Wilson Central 23-10 overall, 10-3 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 30-12-1, 9-3.