BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Columbia, the fifth-ranked team in Class 4A, took advantage of an error in the bottom of the seventh to score two runs and defeat the Keystone Heights High School softball team 5-4 on March 28 in Lake City.
It was the fourth straight loss for the Indians (4-7), who are ranked 18th in Class 2A.
Bailey Amato and Chloe Still singled and doubled, respectively, and scored on a Kaleigh Marquart single to put Keystone up 2-0 in the top of the second.
Columbia answered with two runs of its own in the bottom of the second, taking advantage of a single and two straight doubles.
The Indians trailed 3-2 before scoring two runs in the sixth. With two on and one out, an Amato ground out scored Amanda Wagner. Still, who batted 2 for 3, then hit a line drive into right field to score Audry Cisco, putting Keystone ahead 4-3.
Columbia had one out and no one on in the bottom of the seventh before loading the bases on two singles and a walk. An error on a ground ball allowed the tying and winning runs to score.
Besides Still, Keystone also got multiple hits from Kadence Massey, who went 2 for 4.
Massey pitched a complete game, giving up five runs (three earned) and seven hits, while striking out seven.
The Indians entered the game off a 5-1 loss to visiting Fort White on March 25.
Fort White, which is ranked fifth in the Rural Class, held a 1-0 lead until Keystone tied the score in the sixth inning. Cadie Bowles singled, followed by a Massey double. Amato then hit a single to load the bases for Wagner, whose sacrifice fly scored a run.
Adisynne O’Quinn reached on an error to lead off Fort White’s half of the seventh. Kadence Compton, who hit a solo home run in the second, then drove a 2-2 pitch over the fence in center to put Fort White up 3-1. Two singles and two errors allowed Fort White to add an additional two runs.
Keystone, which had six hits, failed to put anyone on in the bottom of the seventh, which consisted of a strikeout, a pop-up to second and a fly out to center.
Massey batted 2 for 3, but the rest of the team was a combined 4 for 23.
In a complete-game effort in the circle, Massey allowed two earned runs, four hits and no walks, while striking out 11.
Keystone will compete in the Roger Jones Kissimmee Klassic, starting on Thursday, April 3, with a 4 p.m. game against Florida Christian.
The three-day tournament bracket can be viewed on the “Roger Jones Kissimmee Klassic Softball Tournament” Facebook page. Keystone is playing in the Gold bracket.
Following the tournament, the Indians will host Oakleaf on Tuesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m.
