Fifth-straight win costly for World Series leading IPRD girls

Plaquemine IPRD won its fifth consecutive Babe Ruth Softball World Series 12 and Under game on the first day of bracket play yesterday (Tuesday, August 11), but it was a costly victory.

Standout shortstop-pitcher Skylar O’Bear suffered a severe injury to her hand, which required 18 stitches and knocked her out the remainder of the Series competition. O’Bear was injured on a throwing play in the third inning of the locals’ narrow 3-2 triumph over Kinston/Lenoir, N.C. 

Plaquemine and K/L were two of only six teams remaining in the Series. Bracket play began Tuesday. Plaquemine drew a number one seed in the double elimination bracket and played in the late round of the second.

K/L earned a second round game with Plaquemine after they stunned number two seed Hamilton, New Jersey by a 2-1 score.

Although the IPRD girls beat K/L by a lopsided score in pool play, they had to work harder to win yesterday. Both teams scored early in the game. Plaquemine eventually moved ahead 3-1, but the North Carolina foes rallied to cut the lead to only 3-2.

In the 6th Kinston/Lenoir managed to get a runner to third base with 2 outs. The next batter hit a hard shot to first base and Keri Yarbrough made a bobbling glove catch and dive for the bag to just beat the runner for the final out of the game.

Hosting Wilson County, N.C. and Plaquemine entered a key third-round game as the only two unbeaten teams in the championship series.

PS SPORTS will report on the outcome as soon as the information gets to us.

As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, IPRD Director Mike Markins reported that a heavy rainstorm had hit the Wilson County area and left everyone waiting.