Middlesboro used two big innings to gain control of Tuesday’s 13th Region All A match-up against Lynn Camp. With the game tied at 2-all, the Lady Jackets scored four runs in the third and six runs in the fifth en route to a 12-2 victory over the Lady Wildcats.

With the win, Middlesboro will advance to the 13th Region All A title game against the winner of Harlan-Williamsburg. It will be the team’s seventh consecutive championship game in the 13th Region All A after winning the last six titles.

“The hitting came around today. It was a lot better hitting,” said Middlesboro coach Petie Gilbert. “(We) put the bat on the ball real good. We’re improving. We’re getting better, and I like it. (It was) a good win.”

Aubrey Sowders was the leader at the plate going 2-for-2 with two home runs — despite being called out for missing home plate on one occasion. A miscalculation on the scoreboard actually allowed her to hit one more time resulting in a home run, but the game should have ended before her fourth time at-bat because of the run rule.

“Aubrey is one that hits the ball hard every time she hits,” said Gilbert. “They were just going out for her, and it was great. I hope she keeps it up. (She’s) a good clean-up hitter for us.”

Megan Gent was also consistent at the plate for the Lady Jackets. She finished the night with a triple, two singles, one walk and four runs. Yoakum went 3-for-3 during the game with a double, two singles and two runs.

Hannah McCullough earned the victory in the circle for Middlesboro. After allowing two runs in the first, her and the Lady Jacket defense shut down Lynn Camp for the rest of the game.

Julia Shepherd and Erin Holland were the only players from the Lady Wildcats to cross home plate. Each one reached on walks prior to scoring.

After falling behind 2-0 in the top of the first, Middlesboro responded in the bottom half of the inning. After reaching on a single, Jamayha Poe scored on Gent’s RBI triple to cut the deficit to one.

Gent later scored on Sowders’ RBI to tie the game at 2-2.

After a silent second inning, the Lady Jackets claimed the lead in the third. McCullough scored after a lead-off triple to give Middlesboro a 3-2 lead. Sowders’ home run scored Gent to increase the lead to 4-2. Sowders was called out after missing home plate as she rounded the bases.

Yoakum and another Lady Jacket scored before the inning came to an end to give Middlesboro a 6-2 lead after three.

The Lady Jackets were able to end the game in the fifth inning. Sowders increased the Middlesboro lead to 8-2 with a two-run homer. After reaching on a single, Yoakum scored on an error to give the Lady Jackets a 9-2 lead.

An RBI single from Shelby Frazier widened the margin to eight before the junior crossed home to give the Lady Jackets an 11-2 lead. An RBI single from Gent should have ended the game with Middlesboro walking away with a 10-point victory.

The scoreboard was one-point off, and a Sowders’ home run ended the game.

Up Next

Middlesboro (2-0) advances to the 13th Region All A title game to play either Harlan or Williamsburg.

Lynn Camp (1-1) will host Jellico, Tennessee on Thursday.

Reach Anthony Cloud at 606-302-9090 or on Twitter @AnthonyCloudMDN