It was a pitcher’s duel at Mayde Creek Thursday night as the Rams hosted Cypress Woods in Game 1 of their three-game bi-district series.  

It wasn’t until the fifth inning that the first and only run of the game crossed the plate. The Rams got a runner on base and eventually saw her touch home plate for the 1-0 win.

 “We knew they were district champs and that we would have to play the whole ball game and try to keep them off balance,” Mayde Creek coach Mike Maxey said.

Rams pitcher Callie Darlin threw a no-hitter, allowing only two base runners from a walk and an error.

 Cy Woods pitcher Katherine Moreno had only allowed a few base runners through the fourth inning. After striking out one and grounding out the next, Moreno gave up her first hit in two innings. 

“We were kind of concerned about her (Moreno) because we haven’t seen her all year,” Maxey said. “But our girls came out and played good steady ball.” 

 Kaitlin Bubb got a hit up the first base line. After three pitches to Abby Ayres, Bubb attempted to steal second. As Bubb started her slide, the ball hit her in the helmet and bounced into centerfield. She quickly got up and ran to third. Maxey waved her home when he saw the ball get passed Cy Wood’s centerfielder. Mayde Creek led 1-0.  

“Mistakes happen and you have to be in position to take advantage,” Maxey said. “Our girls played good defense and came through and got the win we needed.” 

The Rams showed signs of scoring again in the sixth when Darlin lined a double to left-center field. An error sent her to third, but the Rams couldn’t get the insurance run.  

It turned out the Rams didn’t need it.

 “She (Darlin) has been pretty consistent the whole year,” Maxey said. “She’s got a good defense behind her and good support. When she’s on, she’s kind of hard to hit sometimes.” 

Game 2 will be Friday at Cy Woods. If necessary, Game 3 will be Saturday at Mayde Creek.  

“We’re going to take it one game at a time,” Maxey said. “We told the girls that we wanted to play a two-game series. Tomorrow is basically going to be the same and (it may) come down to whoever makes a mistake.”

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