Hammond struck out nine and allowed just one hit to earn the win. But it was her sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the eighth inning that set up the Lady Spartans win.
Hammond moved pinch runner Victoria Tuttle to third and then Tuttle came in to score on a single up the middle from Madison Strickland. It was the fifth win in six games for West Hall (10-10, 8-2 in region).
The Lady Spartans are now tied with Flowery Branch and West Forsyth for third place with just two games left in the regular season Creekview leads the region with a perfect 11-0 mark whie White County is second at 9-2 in region play.
The top 10 teams in the region standings advance to next week's region tournament at the Lanier Point Softball Complex.
West Hall coach warren Sellers said Hammond saved her best game for a perfect time.
"She's been pitching well the last two weeks but she was really on (tonight)," Sellers said. "Both pitchers were outstanding. It was a shame someone had to lose it."
Lumpkin County's Katie Copeland nearly matched Hammond fanning six West Hall batters and allowing just four hits in a complete-game loss.
Bailey Soucie, Haley Haynes, and Morgan Strickand had the other three West Hall hits.
West Hall next will travel to North Hall (4-5 in region) and Tuesday. The Lady Trojans are battling with five other teams for one of the final three playoff spots.
Lumpkin County next will play host to Flowery Branch Tuesday.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/9/223594