The Hickory Flat Lady Rebels exploded for 12 runs in the fourth inning to rally past Independence, 19-9, on Tuesday night.
Despite trailing 9-2 in the fourth inning, Hickory Flat stormed back with a relentless offensive surge, collecting 10 hits and drawing 13 walks in the win.
Independence came out swinging in the top of the first. Irelynn Chambers doubled to drive in a run, a steal of home plated another, Shelbie Helton added an RBI double, and Gabriella Ashworth tripled to score two runs as the Wildcats built an early cushion.
But the Lady Rebels answered in a big way.
In the bottom of the fourth, Hickory Flat flipped the game entirely, erupting for 12 runs on seven hits to take a 14-9 lead. A key moment came on a two-run double by Kloie White that helped spark the rally.
Hickory Flat added five more runs in the fifth inning without recording a hit, capitalizing on patience at the plate and aggressive base running. Stormie Westmoreland, Amy Garcia, and Cali Jones each drew bases-loaded walks to force in runs, and the Lady Rebels continued to pressure the defense on the basepaths.
Kaylee Tanner earned the win in the circle, striking out 10 over 4 2/3 innings. The right-hander allowed eight hits and nine runs while walking three.
Offensively, Stormie Westmoreland led the way with three hits and two RBIs while swiping six bases. Emma Rooker added two hits, and Hickory Flat’s disciplined approach resulted in 13 total walks. The Lady Rebels were aggressive throughout, piling up 31 stolen bases in the contest.
Defensively, Hickory Flat was flawless, committing no errors. Westmoreland handled 10 chances in the field to anchor the effort.
Independence finished with eight hits, with Ashworth, Journee Jackson, and Chambers collecting two apiece. Ashworth and Jackson each drove in two runs. The Wildcats also played error-free defense and stole seven bases in the game.
Hickory Flat’s explosive fourth inning proved to be the difference as the Lady Rebels completed an impressive comeback victory.
