Bartow County Senior Little League Softball wins opener at state tourney

The Bartow County Senior Little League softball team rallied for seven runs in the fourth inning Saturday afternoon on their way to an 8-4, come-from-behind victory over Northern Little League of Columbus. It was both teams’ first round game of Georgia State Senior Little League Tournament being played at Hamilton Crossing Park in Cassville.

Northern struck for three runs in the top of the third inning to grab an early 3-0 advantage, but Bartow answered one inning later with their seven run outburst.

Bartow added another run in the fifth inning to make the score 8-3 and Northern added a late run in the final frame to account for the 8-4 final score.

Morgan Deboard and Hope Elrod had two hits each to lead Bartow at the plate. They each scored one run. Makenzi McIntyre drove home a pair of runs with a fourth inning single and also scored a run. Taylor Queen drove home one run with a sacrifice fly, added a base hit, and scored a run.

Maggie Collum and Alexia Najarro had the other Bartow County hits. They both scored one run as did Madison Harrison and Emily Collum.

Bartow stole five bases in the contest. Elrod swiped two bags. Najarro, Deboard, and Emily Collum had the other stolen bases.

Alexis Sibold led Northern with three hits and one RBI. Maggie Mock added a hit and a pair of RBI.

The Bartow defense did not commit an error, while Northern totaled five miscues.

Hope Elrod picked up the pitching victory for Bartow County.

With the opening round win, Bartow advances to a second round game against West Point Little League Sunday at 3pm at Hamilton Crossing Park. West Point blanked Madison County Saturday afternoon, 16-0.

Northern and Madison County will play an elimination game in the four team, double-elimination bracket Sunday evening at 5pm.

The Georgia State Senior Little League softball tournament continues through Tuesday. All games are being played on Field 5 at Hamilton Crossing Park.