By TRIPP NORRIS

For the second straight year, Opp will host the area tournament after winning 8-7 over T.R. Miller in Brewton. Scoring early and often was the story of the game with the Bobcats putting a run on the board in the top of the first inning. Bailee Boyd scored on a passed ball for a quick 1-0 lead. The Tigers answered in the bottom of the first when with a run to tie the game at 1-1.

Three straight singles in the top of second inning scored two runs for Opp, giving the Bobcats the lead. Morgan Pierce and Morgan Johnson each scored to take a 3-1 lead. An Opp error in the bottom half of the second turned the momentum in favor of T.R. Miller. The Lady Tigers hit a ball into the outfield for the Tigers ,which was dropped, allowing three runs to be scored as part of a four-run Miller second that gave them a 5-3 lead after two.

Opp responded with a five-run top of the third. The Bobcats sent all nine batters to the plate, and scored five times to retake the lead, 8-5. The inning was capped off by Laura Lee Short’s double that scored Sara Ballard, giving Opp the three-point lead after three. The Tigers were able to chip away at the lead when the lead-off batter scored once during the fourth and sixth innings. Miller was unable to tie the game as Opp held on for the win 8-7 to go undefeated in area play and earn the right to host the class 3A, area 2 tournament.

Short led the Bobcats going 2 for 3, with a single, double, and two RBIs. Morgan Johnson was 2 for 4, with two singles, two RBIs, and a run scored. Maggie Short was 2 for 3, with two singles, and a run scored, while Bailee Boyd was 2 for 4, with two singles, and two two runs scored. Graci Kidd got the win, going two innings in relief and allowing just one hit with two strikeouts. Graceanne Spears pitched the last three 3 innings for the save also allowing just one hit, with two strikeouts.