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Effingham stays alive in Mite Girls
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Effingham’s Olivia Laverenz earned the win against Baldwin County.

Shelby Wilson struck out the final batter, and the Effingham Angels stayed alive in the GRPA Mite Girls state softball tournament with a 3-2 win over Gilmer County on Friday.

The Angels came out on fire to start the tournament Thursday, defeating Baldwin County 11-0 in four innings.

Olivia Laverenz earned the win, pitching three innings, and combined with Wilson to allow only one hit.

The Angels seemed to have cooled off a bit Friday, dropping a 5-4 nail-biter to Thomaston-Upson County.

Thomaston used a decoy play in the bottom of the sixth to win the game. With the game tied, one out and the bases loaded, Sarah Swofford hit the ball right back to Wilson, who immediately threw to catcher Joanna Jarriel at home for the out.

Swofford, however, took a wide turn at first so Jarriel threw down to first. But Swofford slid to beat the tag, and Rachel Bridges sprinted home for the win.

Thomaston first base coach Alan Wainwright said it was a designed play, but was worried because Swofford took too wide of a turn.

Effingham scored twice and Thomaston scored three runs in the first inning. Effingham scored a run in the second and a run in the third to take a 4-3 lead.

Leah Stewart was impressive at the plate for Thomaston, going 4-for-4. Effingham’s Naomi Sapp went 2-for-3 with a run and a stolen base.

Effingham faced Thomaston-Upson County again on Saturday.