Bartow County Little League 9/10 year old softball 3rd at state tourney

Bartow County Little League 9/10 year old softball finished third at the Georgia Little League state tournament after dropping a 2-1 decision to Northern Little League of Columbus Thursday night (July 16).

The double elimination tournament is being hosted by Pioneer Little League of Columbus.

With their win, Northern advanced to the state championship round with one loss where they will face unbeaten Hart County Little League Friday (July 17) at 6pm. An ‘if needed’ game will be Saturday (July 18) at 10am.

Bartow took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but Northern Columbus scored the two deciding runs in the bottom of the fourth.

Bartow loaded the bases in the top of the fifth with one out, but failed to score.

Bartow pitcher Lainey Baker struck out eight in a complete game in the circle.

Leading hitters for the locals were McKayla Wade (2-for-3, triple), Ansley Hight (2-for-3, triple), Baker (2-for-3), Michiah Hicks (1-for-2, walk), and Madison Flemons (1-for-2).

Bartow had state tournament wins over Elbert County and Oconee County. Both losses were to Northern Columbus.