FR takes down second-seeded Tri-County North

LEWISBURG, Ohio — The Indians and the Panthers couldn’t create any separation that lasted for more than a half an inning. Right after one team would build a lead, the other would usher in a prompt response.

Luckily for the Tribe, the response the Panthers provided in the bottom of the sixth wasn’t enough to overcome a two-run lead.

The fifth-seeded Fort Recovery High School softball team scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to lead to a 10-9 upset of the No. 2 seed Tri-County North Panthers in Wednesday’s OHSAA Division VI Southwest 2 District opener.

The win advanced the Indians to the district final against No. 3 seeded Riverside. The game will take place today at 5 p.m. and is hosted by Anna.

Fort Recovery (16-9) entered the sixth inning with a 8-7 deficit. Emma Will led the inning with a triple, but was cut down at home plate on a fielder’s choice that Ava Grisez grounded into.

Jenna Homan followed with a second fielder’s choice that resulted in both runners being safe. Ella Schoen walked to load the bases before Alexis Grisez delivered a two-RBI single to right field that gave the Tribe the lead. The final run of the inning came in on a single by Kylie Post.

Tri-County North (16-10) came back in the bottom half of the inning on a Lola Grieshop sacrifice fly, but couldn’t find any more offense to reclaim the lead.

Schoen and Alexis Grisez led the FRHS offense with three RBIs apiece and Homan followed with two. Post secured three hits, while Homan, Schoen and Alexis Grisez each had two. Homan scored the most runs at three.

Will broke Brenna Homan’s record for most career runs scored after crossing home plate twice in the game.

Homan earned the win in the circle after throwing all seven innings. She struck out nine batters while conceding nine runs, only one of which was earned, on seven hits and four walks.