Parrott, Lady Pounders down Polk 5-2

Central's Brooke Parrott did not need to look far for a reminder of how potent the Polk County softball lineup can be.

The sophomore pitcher for the Lady Purple Pounders had three numbers written on her wrist that correlated with those on the back of Polk County's top three hitters -- sluggers she was well aware of from Central's 10-inning region-title game last year.

"I could lie and say I've had them (on my wrist) for the last year, but I knew what I was up against coming into the game," Parrott said. "I just wanted to be able to look down and be reminded so I would stay focused."

Parrott was more than focused Wednesday night, ensuring Central's second consecutive Region 3-AA title with a magical 16-strikeout performance in a 5-2 win over the visiting Lady Wildcats. Central will host the loser of the Region 4-AA final between Macon County and DeKalb County in a sectional tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. today in hopes of beating impending weather this weekend.

Parrott recorded 13 of the first 15 Polk County outs via the strikeout and was at her best when the Lady Wildcats threatened, twice striking out hitters with the bases full to end innings.

"We had our chances, but their pitcher made the pitches when she had to," Polk County coach Bill Triplett said. "It's like a broken record against them, but you have to give Chattanooga Central credit. They are a good team."

"We had a really nice game plan coming in, and I thought Brooke executed it well," said Central coach LeeAnn Shurette. "We had a lot of respect for them. I'm just really happy for the girls. We have had our share of ups and downs and you wonder why things happen, but it has made us stronger down the stretch."

Central (19-14) has won its last six games thanks mostly to its defense, pitching and the long ball. The Lady Pounders hit two more homers Wednesday, giving them 11 during the current win streak.

With Polk up 1-0, Alexis Grampp tied it with her 10th homer of the year in the bottom of the first inning. Polk County (20-8) came right back with a run in the second inning, but Central got the momentum right back on freshman Kerri Sylvester's two-run homer, her first of the year.

"I couldn't believe it," Sylvester said. "I looked up and saw it rolling up the hill, and it took me a second to realize it was a homer. I don't think anyone expected it."

The 3-2 lead was pretty safe in Parrott's hands. She left the bases loaded in the fourth and sixth innings. By that time Grampp had added an RBI single after Parrott tripled in the third, and Lexie Ainslie drove in a big insurance run in the fifth with her third hit of the game.

"Lexie was such a big part of this game. She set the table for Kerri and then drove in a big run in that fifth for us," Shurette said. "We just keep having people step up in opportune times for us. There were a lot of things to like today. We never backed down today."

Polk County, which had won 13 of its last 15 games coming in, had two hits from Emily Bales and will visit the Region 4-AA winner on Friday.

Contact James Beach at sports@timesfreepress.com.

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