Cascade senior Erin McBee prepares to get dirty on a close play at third base. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Despite the unseasonably cool temperatures for rural middle Tennessee, Cascade's sticks came out of the dugout like liquid hot magma as they plated nine runs in the bottom of the first inning and held on for a run-ruled 13-2 win over District 9-A visitor Eagleville.

"The girls came out and hit the ball fairly well, and we threw the ball pretty well," Cascade coach Jeremy Austin said. "All in all, for a day to be cold and kind of an off day from what we've been having, the girls came out and played a good ballgame."

The Lady Champs (9-3, 6-1 9-A) got a two-run double from Torey Hornberger and a two-run single via Tiffany Gibbs to highlight the lopsided opening frame. Four walks contributed to the Lady Eagle demise.

Mary Jett, Laura Jett and Lauren Claxton kept the heat pulsating through the Orange and Black bats with three straight singles to lead off the second. Following a fielder's choice, Aimee Taylor provided a two-run base knock and Kathleen Lohay doubled.

With a 13-run cushion heading into the third, Austin decided to work some of the green off his freshly called up eighth graders and slightly-used reserves.

"We wanted to get it over with in three innings and probably could have but you never know when that experience might pay off in the next week or two as far as running the bases or if we have to have them on defense if somebody goes down."

Lady Champion first baseman Kacy Smith cuts off a throw to first base while defending a bunt. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

Following a pair of defensive miscues and mental lapses, Austin got his starters up and moving in the dugout with Eagleville threatening to trim their deficit to single digits.

Starting pitcher Leigha Carter took matters into her own hands, striking out the next two batters and inducing a pop up to end the game. She finished with seven strikeouts and did not issue a walk.

Holly Poteete was the losing pitcher.

Cascade faces Middle Tennessee Christian in a doubleheader today at 4:30.