The Stringer Lady Red Devils put away the defending statechampion Loyd Star Lady Hornets 1-0 Tuesday in the second game ofthe best-of-three series in the opening round of the Class 2Afastpitch softball state playoffs. Stringer pushed home thedecisive run in the fourth inning on Loyd Star’s field.

Loyd Star finished the season with an 18-9 record. Stringerimproved to 16-4 and advances to the next round. The Devils won 2-1last Friday at Stringer.

“We could not get a hit when we needed,” said Loyd Star head coachJan Delaughter. “We had a mental error that cost us. Both pitcherspitched a good game.”

Stringer’s Jessica Upton scored her team’s run in the top of thefourth inning when Loyd Star catcher Emily Smith lost her grip onthe ball on a fake-throw, pickoff attempt to third base. The ballrolled toward the third base dugout and Upton raced home.

“Two good teams battled to the wire,” said Stringer head coachDavid Mosley. “Basic errors helped us win both games. Loyd Star hasa good team and is well coached. We were fortunate to win thegame.”

Singling for the Hornets were Alaina Locke, Leah Britt, SarahFalvey, Carrie Moak, Natalie Keene and Karah Smith.

Stringer got a single from Robyn Brady, Cambri McQueen, BrittanyPipkens and Upton.

Pitcher Aaron Herrington posted the win with 5 strikeouts and 1walk. Brooke Delaughter took the loss with 7 strikeouts, no walksand 1 hit batter, allowing four hits.