RTCA Softball Opens Season
Courtesy of RTCA
The Lady Crusaders softball team of Robert Toombs Christian Academy opened up their season last week with games against Brentwood Academy and then were at the Tattnall County Warrior Blast where they faced Claxton and Brantley County.
vs. Brentwood
The Lady Crusader softball season opened with a 9-9 tie against perennial final four opponent Brentwood Academy. Meredith Durden's 2-RBI single in the bottom of the first inning put the Crusaders up early, but a couple of defensive miscues found the Crusaders trailing 4-2 after three innings. The two teams traded runs until the bottom of the sixth where the Crusaders found themselves down by one with a runner on and two outs, when Railee Thomas hit a long two-run home run giving the Crusaders a one-run lead going into the seventh. Unfortunately after another miscue Brentwood tied the score in the seventh forcing extra innings, where both teams each scored a run and the game ended in a tie.
The Crusaders were led on Offense by Railee Thomas, who had 3 hits, Meredith Durden, who had 2 hits, Maddie Joyner, who had 2 RBI's and Bree Wimberly, who had 2 RBI's. Meredith Durden pitched well, but early game mistakes proved very costly.
Coach Fitzgerald said, “I thought we swung the bat pretty well tonight and Meredith pitched great, but all the missed practice time this summer showed up in key spots tonight. Having to replace 4 starters from last year, we just were not quite ready defensively, had some opportunities to get off the field and just couldn't in some areas. Overall pretty happy with their effort.” vs. Claxton
RTCA was at the Tattnall County Warrior Blast on Saturday where they faced off with the Tigers of Claxton. Meredith Durden led the way for the Crusaders pitching five innings of one-hit ball, striking out 15 Lady Tigers and hitting two home runs, driving in four runs.
Coach Fitzgerald stated, “What a day for Merdith Durden, dominant in the circle and leading the way at the plate. Thought we were a little sluggish this morning. We got a pitcher I thought we would do some damage against, but couldn't stay behind the ball very well, rolled over and hit a few weak ground balls and pop ups. First inning looked promising, but a bad base running decision changed the whole complexion of the inning. It was a great learning moment for her, and I believe she understands why we can't make that mistake now. Defensively, we still haven't put it all together, but Railee Thomas looked sharp behind the dish for us.” vs. Brantley
Meredith Durden pitched two pretty good innings for the Crusaders, giving up one run and one hit, and came out of the game with it tied 1-1 after two inngins. Arlie Gooden came in and surrendered three hits over three innings while giving up three runs.
It was a rainy, wet, slow-paced game and the Crusaders were not able to get much going offensively, with Marli Dryden driving in the only Crusader run.
Coach Fitzgerald added, “Meredith did a good job again in the circle but we need to find our number 2 pitcher. We brought in Arlie under tough circumstances, rainey and wet conditions, making the ball tough to grip. I thought she did great for not pitching in a couple of years, was in the strike zone but unfortunately some inexperience in the outfield showed and she wound up giving up a couple of earned runs. Offensively, we just couldn't find any open grass. A lot of inexperienced players got some field time and it showed. Having trouble remembering where to be and what to do taking care of the ball.” RTCA will be back in action next week as they face Pinewood on Tuesday in Bellville at 6:30 p.m.
