The JCJH Lady Eagles are state-bound after defeating the Cumberland Lady Raiders 3-2 Tuesday, with Emma W delivering a dominant performance in the circle.
Emma went the distance, striking out 11 Cumberland batters while allowing just three hits and two runs over seven innings. She did not issue a walk.
Cumberland struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Kaycie R connected on an inside-the-park home run following a six-pitch at-bat, giving the Lady Raiders an early 1-0 advantage.
JCJH answered in the top of the second. Carissa B doubled down the right-field line to bring home a run and tie the game at 1-1.
The Lady Eagles took the lead in the third inning. A steal of home brought one run across the plate, putting JCJH ahead 2-1. Carissa then delivered another RBI single to extend the Lady Eagles’ advantage to 3-1.
The two pitching staffs combined for 20 strikeouts, with JCJH recording 11 and Cumberland collecting nine.
Carissa led the Lady Eagles offensively, going a perfect 3-for-3 and driving in two runs from the No. 7 spot in the lineup. Charlee H and Ellie O also collected multiple hits as JCJH finished the game with nine hits.
For Cumberland, Leah M led the Lady Raiders at the plate, going 2-for-3 from the top of the lineup. Kaycie R recorded Cumberland’s lone RBI while finishing 1-for-3.
Lilly M started in the circle for Cumberland and pitched two innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out four and walking two.
With the victory, the JCJH Lady Eagles are headed to the state tournament in Normal. JCJH will take the field Friday at noon at Champion Fields as the Lady Eagles continue their postseason run.
