Gateway Prep sweeps Lady Tigers

SMITHVILLE — The Smithville Lady Tigers bowed out of the playoffs in the area round May 2-3, to the Gateway College Preparatory Gators out of Georgetown.

In game one, Gateway Prep took an early lead with three runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Lady Tigers answered back in the top of the third inning after Addison Otto hit her first home run to get on the board.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Gators pulled away after a line drive to centerfield drove in a run, followed by a line-drive double for another run, pushing the lead to 5-1. A walk by Otto allowed another run before closing out the inning. The Lady Tigers went into the fifth inning down 6-1.

Otto put another pitch over the fence in the top of the fifth to cut the lead to 6-2.

Smithville were unable to score in the sixth inning, but allowed three more runs. Down 9-2 headed into the seventh, the Lady Tigers made one last effort to compile a comeback. Claire Kennon hit a ground ball and reached on an error, which allowed Kenna Tiner to score.

The rally was cut short after Kennon grounded out to first base.

Otto took the loss for the Lady Tigers. She pitched five innings and gave up nine runs, walked nine and picked up nine strikeouts.

In addition to her two home runs, Otto also had two hits and two runs batted. Kennon added two hits.

In game two, the Lady Tigers were unable to even the series and force a game three, falling to Gateway Prep 9-4.

Smithville ended the season 16-11-3 and 6-4 in district.