Softball in a glove at home plate

ANDERSON – While everything else was rained out and postponed because of the weather, the Nation Ford Falcons were able take a business trip and come away with a win to stay alive in the 5A softball playoffs.

Nation Ford beat TL Hanna on the road 8-7 to eliminate the Yellow Jackets and live to fight another day. TL Hanna has a turf softball field which allowed them to play their playoff game, while most games were cancelled around the state because of storms.

The Falcons were able to hold off a late rally by TL Hanna and improved to 10-12 on the season. Nation Ford opened the game scoring three runs in the first as Olivia Southerly smashed a three-run home run to put the Falcons up early.

The early momentum was what Nation Ford needed as they added two more runs in the third to take a 5-0 lead. An error in the inning by TL Hanna caused the Falcons to plate two more runs. Then in the fourth inning, a double by Ava Scheier drove in Emma Skovran to give Nation Ford a 6-0 lead. Skovran went 2-4 in the game and Scheier went 2-3 as well in leading the 11-hit output for the Falcons.

That lead would be needed as TL Hanna scored five runs in the fourth inning to pull within one run. But things were going the Falcons way Friday as they added two more runs in the fifth inning as Patience Wehrmeyer doubled in two runs to put them up 8-5.

Kailey Alston went seven innings for Nation Ford and despite allowing seven runs on nine hits was able to hold off the Yellow Jackets. She walked three and struck out seven.

Nation Ford will now play the loser of the Blythewood and Dorman game on Monday back on the road again. The Blythewood-Dorman game is being played Saturday. If the Falcons lose again in the District playoffs their season will end. Nation Ford needs to win three more games to move on to the Upper State playoff bracket.

Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep