PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
The Dillon 12 U Ponytails softball team defeated the Latta 12 U Ponytails for the state championship on Wednesday, July 20, in Marion.
The Latta team forced a second game after handing the Dillon team the first loss of the season 5-0 in the championship match. The Dillon team fought back in the second and deciding game and defeated Latta 18-6.
In the second game Abby Bristow garnered the first hit of the game with a bunt.
Dillon threatened in the top of the first inning with runners on second and third but were unable to get a run across the plate.
Dillon second baseman, Spivey Evans grabbed a hot grounder and made the play on the lead-off hitter, #1 for Latta to start the first at-bat for Latta. Latta scored the first run of the game as the ball was dropped at home plate. Latta led after the first inning 1-0.
Dillon managed to tie the game in the top of the second inning when Latta’s catcher’s foot was not on home plate on a forced play. A run was walked in to give Dillon a 2-1 lead with the bases loaded. Before the top of the second inning was over Dillon had managed to take a 7-1 lead.
Latta threatened in the bottom of the second inning with runners on first and second with no outs. #12 for Latta hit a grounder to the Dillon shortstop that was tossed to third, and the runner from second was out on the forced play. The Dillon catcher picked off Latta #2 attempting to steal third.
After 2 complete innings of play Dillon led 7-1.
Dillon managed to pick up 3 runs in the top of the third inning.
Latta fought back in the bottom of the third and picked up 6 runs to cut Dillon’s lead to 4.
Two more runs crossed the plate for Dillon in the top of the third to give Dillon a 12-6 lead.
Dillon managed to pick up 6 more runs in the remaining innings while preventing Latta from getting any more runs.
The final was 18-6, and Dillon was crowned the state champions for the Ponytails.
Dillon will play in the World Series in North Myrtle Beach with the opening ceremony on Sunday, July 31, with games August 1-5.
Congratulations to all of our Dillon County teams on a wonderful tournament.
