GPS’ pitcher Madi StanleyMURFREESBORO, Tenn. — GPS sophomore Madi Stanley pitched in the TSSAA state softball tournament for the first time. And she didn’t know she was going to be pitching until not long before the game started.
And she didn’t think she was completely on her game Tuesday.
Then after a three-hitter with one walk at Starplex No. 3, the Bruisers had defeated St. Benedict 5-0 in their Division II-AA tournament opener.
GPS (24-11) will return to action Thursday in the winners-bracket final at about 12:30 p.m. EDT.
Stanley retired the first nine in order. By the time she gave up Paige Murin’s leadoff single in the fourth, the Bruisers had given her a four-run lead.
“I thought I struggled,” Stanley said. “When I came here before, I didn’t pitch. I was really nervous. I think I’ll be better the next time.”
GPS coach Susan Crownover said the Lady Eagles were aggressive at bat and Stanley took advantage with a variety of off-speed pitches. She totaled four strikeouts.
“When you don’t have your best stuff and this is what you get, I guess that’s pretty good,” Crownover said. “The good thing is she expects a lot of herself.”
Kelby Crownover was 3-for-3 with a double and an RBI single for the Bruisers, and Madison Boyd was 2-for-3 with a two-run homer and a run-scoring single. Morgan Lane also was 2-for-3.
“We had some base hits but we left a few folks on base,” Coach Crownover said. “We’ve got to do a better job with runners in scoring position. This time of year it’s just score, anyway you can.”
Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653.