Beckville Blanks Grapeland 2-0 to Advance to State Softball Tournament

NACOGDOCHES — The Beckville Ladycats are bound for the state tournament in Austin, and they can thank small ball for helping them get there.

Despite tallying only one hit, the Ladycats topped Grapeland 2-0 at Lady Dragon Field on Saturday to sweep their Class A regional final series.

Beckville scored in the first inning when Taylor Lindsay walked, stole both second and third and came around to score on a groundout by Shelbi Dotson to make it 1-0.

The second run came in the fifth when Madison McDaniel hit a slow roller to Grapeland second baseman Atlana Watson, whose throw to first was wide allowing McDaniel to advance all the way to second.

McDaniel then moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundout to third by Cassidy Cox to make it 2-0.

Grapeland had opportunities but could never get the big hit in the right moment.

The Sandiettes stranded three runners in scoring position, while hitting into two double plays.

Cox was solid in the circle as well for the Ladycats, striking out three.

The loss undermined a solid effort from Grapeland starter Baylee Lumbreraz, who gave up only one hit and struck out nine in a losing effort.