Hornell ties game in the bottom of the seventh inning, but Express hold on for 6-2 win
Hornell tied the game with two clutch runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, but visiting Elmira answered with four in the top of the ninth as the Express were able to escape the Maple City with a 6-2 road win on Tuesday.
Trailing 2-0 in the seventh, the Raiders evened the score with help from an error and a sacrifice bunt by Lyla Dyring as Kadience Gollnitz and Lexi Smith scored runs.
After a scoreless eighth, Elmira regained the lead in the top of the ninth when Lily Cornacchio hit an RBI single and another run scored on an error. Addison Taft also hit a two-run single in the frame to push Elmira to the victory.
"All in all, I hate to say it's a good loss. The girls showed so much grit never backing down, never losing composure at the plate," said Hornell coach Jenn Bowie. "Smith did outstanding in the circle! Now lace them back up and hope for no rain today!"
Elmira got on the board in the second inning after an error scored a run, and later added another run in the top of the sixth on a solo home run to right field off the bat of Taft.
Ava Cornacchio got the win for the Express, surrendering nine hits and two runs (one earned) over nine innings, striking out six and walking three.
Smith pitched nine innings for Hornell, giving up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits, striking out four and walking two. The Hornell defense turned a double play behind Smith.
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Raegan Evingham went 3-for-4 at the plate to power the Hornell offense. Lyla Dyring added an RBI.
Smith, Gollnitz, Jordyn Dyring, Parker Graham, Madyson Connor and Reese Harwood each chipped in a hit.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Softball: Express hold off Hornell rally for 6-2 road win
