Long Road Ahead

Greenville teams head to Texarkana today
April 19, 2011

By David Claybourn
Herald-Banner Sports Editor

Both Greenville varsity teams will make the long drive to Texarkana today as they head into the final chapters of their District 13-4A baseball and softball campaigns.

The 10-12-1 Lions, who are 2-6 in district play, will face the Texas High Tigers at 7:30 p.m.

The 10-12 Lady Lions, who are 2-8 in district, will play the Texas High Lady Tigers at 6:30 p.m.

Both Greenville teams are coming off big victories over Sulphur Springs.

The Lady Lions downed Sulphur Springs 4-1 for what is believed to be Greenville's first varsity softball win ever over the Lady Wildcats. Lady Lion pitcher Rachael Cook scattered nine hits as she was backed by some key defensive plays from third baseman Chelsea Rigsby and shortstop Sidney Tippit. Cook did not walk a batter though pitching in gusts up to 30 mph and struck out two.

Ali Threndyle led Greenville at the plate with two hits. Ashley Walden, Cook, Rigsby and Tippit also had hits.

Texas High beat the Lady Lions 11-8 in extra innings on March 25 in Greenville. Arian Alford tallied four hits for Greenville in that game. Cook, Tippit and Walden all had three hits in that game. Cook homered and Walden doubled.

The Lions beat Sulphur Springs 4-2 in their last outing on Friday night in Greenville. Miguel Saavedra pitched a five-hitter for the Lions, offsetting five walks with eight strikeouts.

Saavedra and Michael Riskey both managed two hits for the Lions, who also collected hits from Justin Koger, Blake Taylor and Chase Wofford.

Texas High whipped the Lions 13-1 in Greenville on March 25. The Lions managed only two hits, one each by Saavedra and Riskey, off Texas High pitcher Ryan Fant. Fant struck out 10.

Both Greenville teams will return to action at home on Friday against Royse City. Those games were originally scheduled for Thursday but have been moved to Friday.