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Bath County: Built Ford tough
Jailyn Ford stood among a throng of celebrating Bath County High School supporters Saturday morning at Virginia Tech’s softball stadium.
Tucked under her right arm was the VHSL Group A, Division 1 state championship trophy.
It was her left arm that helped her team claim that prize.
Displaying an array of pitches, including a wicked riseball, Ford authored a 15-strikeout, two-hit gem as Bath County posted a 3-0 victory over Holston in the state finals at Tech’s gleaming facility.
“That’s the best pitcher we’ve seen all year,” said Holston coach Lisa Blackburn. “She mixes her pitches up real well and when you do get a hold of it, you pop it up or don’t put it in play really well. She’s really steadfast in the circle and doesn’t get rattled too much.”
Ford was fantastic from the start. She walked three and gave up two singles, but Holston never got a runner past second base.
What else is new?
In three state tournament games, the junior southpaw yielded five hits and struck out 41 in 21 shutout innings of work.
“Phenomenal,” said Bath County coach Lisa Baugh. “She’s just so awesome and has the best attitude.”
Ford was also tough on Holston again. In three career appearances against the Cavaliers, she’s yielded just four hits in 20-plus innings.
“I don’t know why we’ve never been able to really hit her good,” said Holston leadoff hitter Megan Honaker, who went 0-for-3 on Saturday against Ford. “That’s something we’ll have to work on. She’s a great pitcher and we fell short on hitting today, definitely.”
Plus velocity coming from the left side is one reason, perhaps, Holston has struggled.
“It’s hard to pick up,” said Holston second baseman Brittany Boyd.
Ford herself is unsure why she’s been able to silence a lineup that has pounded out hits against everyone else.
“We’ve faced them three times already and they are a good hitting team,” Ford said. “I’m not even sure how I’ve done it. They didn’t put the bat on the ball as much this game and it definitely ended up working out in the end.”
Holston’s lone glimmer of hope came in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Amelia Wampler, who had both of Holston’s hits, singled to left field to open the inning.
Ford said she didn’t have a flashback to the Region C, Division 1 finals, when Holston rallied in the sixth inning with two runs in taking a 2-1 victory over the Chargers.
She didn’t let it creep into her mind that Holston has a habit of winning in dramatic fashion.
Instead, she focused on the task at hand and got two consecutive strikeouts and a groundout to end the game.
“I was just working on the batter and I knew even if they put it in play our team would back me up,” Ford said. “I had faith ever since the beginning of the game. I had confidence and knew we were going to win.”
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