Straughn crowned area champs

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Straughn Lady Tigers claimed the Class 3A, Area 3 title Monday night, capping a two-game area series over Luverne, 8-0 on senior night.

Straughn junior pitcher Kaitlynn Wiggins struck out 19, allowed no runs on two hits and gave up one walk.

“We pitched well and played defense well,” Straughn coach Ray Wilson said. “That game was just to see who hosted the tournament, basically. Now, we’ll have to play the best two-out-of-three on Thursday to see really who will be for seeding.”

Both Straughn and Luverne will advance to the South Regional tournament in Gulf Shores.

Straughn (26-11-1, 2-0) will kick off its area tournament at 3 p.m. on Thursday.

In the first inning Monday night, Straughn senior Stephanie Bracewell started off with a double and later scored on single from Katy Messick.

Messick later would score on a fielder’s choice by senior Kayla Teel.

Wiggins reached first in the third inning and later advanced to third base on a passed ball and stolen base. She then scored on a sac fly by Tiffany Taylor.

Straughn added five runs in the fifth inning.

Taylor hit a double to score Wiggins and Messick, who reached on a single and an error, respectively.

Hannah Twitty then singled to score Taylor, and Kelli Wilcox scored the last run of the game on an error.

Taylor was 1-for-2 with three RBIs; Wiggins was 2-for-4 with two stolen bases and two runs; and Messick was 2-for-4 with two runs.