Class 1A State Softball: Jay Royals' run for back-to-back titles ends with loss to Branford
The Jay softball team threatened inning after inning.
It also received a spectacular start from its No. 1 pitcher, ran rampant on the bases and manufactured a late-game rally. But in the end, it was not enough, bringing an end to its reign as the Class 1A champions.
The Royals couldn't capitalize on their opportunities during a crushing 2-1 loss to Branford during a Class 1A state semifinal on Monday from the Legends Way Ball Fields in Clermont.
Held scoreless through the first six innings despite having runners in scoring position in every frame, Jay finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the seventh.
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With the top of the order up and the team down 2-0, Royals infielder Ella Nelson seemingly jumpstarted the comeback by smashing a laser to right center-field, but she was robbed of a hit thanks to a diving catch by Jesse Frierson. That out proved to be pivotal as the next two batters reached safely.
Brett Watson worked a walk before Caitlyn Gavin nearly tied the game when she sent a high-fly ball deep to left field. The ball fell just short of a home run and resulted in a double.
After Carleigh Baker was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Watson scored from third on a Morgan Barrow sacrifice fly and the runners advanced to second and third base. However, Laila Arnold got Kaylee Gilbreath to swing and miss on a 2-2 pitch to end the game.
Despite walking six and hitting three batters, Arnold only relinquished four hits while fanning 12.
Branford broke through in the previous inning. With one on and one one, Frierson connected with an RBI single just past Gavin at second to score Morgan Brennan. Frierson advanced to third on an errant throw and later scored on bunt single from Alexandria Whitfield.
Jenna Toups took the tough loss in the pitcher's circle. The Jay senior gave up two runs (one earned) on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts.
The Royals, who made it to state for the third-straight season, was the No. 4 seed while the Buccaneers were the top-seed. After having its season-best six-game winning streak snapped, Jay finishes 2023 with a 16-12 record.
Here are three takeaways from Monday's state semifinal:
Can't cash in
There are two stats that will haunt Jay: the team left 11 runners on base after going 0-for-13 at the plate with runners in scoring.
The team had two excellent chances to strike first.
In the third, the Royals had runners on second and third with no outs. Nelson led off the inning with the second of her three walks before stealing second. She moved to third on an infield single from Watson, who later stole second without a throw. However, Gavin struck out swinging, Baker popped out on a bunt attempt and Barrow struck out looking as Arnold pumped her fist while walking out of the circle.
Two innings later, Jay packed the bases full with no outs on walks Nelson and Watson before Gavin reached on a hit-by-pitch. From there, Gavin popped out to short, Barrow swung and missed strike three and Nelson was caught at home on a delayed-steal attempt.
Running wild
Brennan, the Branford sophomore catcher, had nothing for the Royals on the base paths.
Jay had the green light all game long, finishing with seven stolen bases. Watson and Nelson each finished with three steals while Gilbreath added another.
The one time the Royals were unsuccessful in their thievery: Nelson's attempt to take home in the fifth.
Couldn't ask for more
The two runs given up in the sixth should not overshadow Toups' tremendous effort. For a stretch, the senior pitcher was the best player on the field.
Toups fanned Ashlee Combee to escape a bases-loaded jam in the first. Then, with a runner in scoring position, she got Cloey Criggall to fly out to left to end the second.
From there, the senior produced 1-2-3 innings in the third, fourth and fifth. She retired 12 consecutive batters during the middle innings. The pitching star continued her strong form to conclude the season, allowing three runs or less over her last five starts.
Toups is one of four seniors to graduate this week, along with Gavin, Bailey Lopez and Kassidy Nevels.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Softball: Jay Royals' reign as state champs ends with 1A semifinal loss
