SULPHUR — Port Barre fell short of winning its first state championship since 2000, as the Red Devils were shutout by top seed and defending state champion Many 3-0 in the Class 2A state championship game at Frasch Park on Saturday.
It Port Barre’s fourth time finishing as state runner-up (2002, 2001, 1985).
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Port Barre appeared to primed to jump out to an early lead. The Red Devils put two runners on the base paths in the first with only one out, but Tigers pitcher, and LSUA signee, Tia Holmes got out of the jam with a strikeout and line drive out.
Many took the lead in the bottom of the second inning when Kirsten Martinez hit a two-out RBI double.
Port Barre’s Malani Francis got a bloop single to start the third and then stole second base. Francis advanced to third base on a groundout but was left stranded as Holmes struck out the next hitter.
Many added to its lead in the third with Camryn Ford hitting a two-out, two-run home run.
Port Barre tried to mount a rally in the seventh inning.
Rebekah Stelly led off with a single into shallow left field. Blaire Young flied out to deep left field and Macie Bergeron hits a ground ball and reaches first on a fielder’s choice but that made it two outs for the Red Devils.
Reagan Martinez flied out to shallow right field to end the game.
BIG NUMBER: 4
Port Barre had chances in the first three innings as the Red Devils managed to get four runners on the base paths. Unfortunately, Port Barre stranded all four.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: TIA HOLMES
The Many High senior, and LSUA signee, delivered a five-hit shutout while striking out six batters to earn Most Valuable Player honors.