The Jefferson softball team had no problems finding home plate Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs.
The Dragons (15-9) hammered out 28 runs on 21 hits to blow past Arabia Mountain, 16-4, 12-4, to sweep the best of three series.
In Game 1, Jefferson, led by Anslee Pittman -- 3-for-3 with four RBIs -- scattered 16 runs across four innings to run-rule Arabia Mountain, including 12 in the first and second innings. Ravy Saxon earned the win in the circle, allowing just two hits and striking out six 3 2/3 innings.
In Game 2, Natalie Beck drove in three runs, and Madison Hanchey had two RBIs to lead the Dragons' offensive output. Jefferson jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the second inning and exploded with four runs in the third to blow the game open, 8-1.
Arabia Mountain added three runs in the fourth, but the Dragons scored one in the fourth, two in the fifth and one in the sixth to secure the victory. Taylor Spivey was the winning pitcher, giving up three runs on five hits and five Ks in four innings of work.
The Dragons will play the winner of the Shaw-West Laurens series on Oct. 19.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2021/10/1046339/softball-jefferson-advances-to-next-round-with-sweep-of-arabia-mountain