Lady Raiders drop Cardinals

(L-R) Makayla Chestnut lays down a sacrifice bunt in the Lady Raiders’ win over Wayne County. Keela Stephens slides into second on a stolen base. Cierra Terry blasts a home run to left in the 5-2 win.

Powered by timely hitting, good defense and strong pitching, the Lady Raiders got an early jump on the 48th District standings Tuesday with a 5-2 win over Wayne County.

McCreary took the lead for good in the bottom half of the second inning when Cyndol Kiser walked and later scored on a Kaylee West ball to right field. Cierra Terry followed with a double to center that put the Lady Raiders ahead 3-1.

Wayne County would creep closer in the top of the fifth, scoring a run on a single and an error, but Terry would lead off the bottom of the frame with a solo home run to left field for a 4-2 advantage.

After reaching on an error to lead off the bottom of the 6th, Kiser would plate an insurance run, scoring on a West base hit to right.

Pitcher Kaylee Cotton struck out six, walked zero and allowed only five hits for the win.

The victory gives McCreary a 1-0 record in the District, putting them at the advantage for a first-round bye at the end of the season. The win follows a 16-1 win over Clarkrange and 9-1 win over Casey County Saturday at the Wayne County Tournament. Their record stands at 10-3 through Tuesday.

It will be a busy week for the Lady Raiders. On Thursday they travel to Southwestern, then return home for their next four games. Friday they host South Laurel, Monday- Lynn Camp, Tuesday Knox Central and Southwestern on Wednesday for a make up date.