By Kyle Parmley
HOOVER – In a top-three showdown in Class 7A, No. 2 Spain Park advanced to the finals of the Area 6 softball tournament with a 5-2 victory over No. 3 Hewitt-Trussville on Friday night.
The Huskies struck first in the top of the first with a run, but the lead lasted only a few minutes. Spain Park scored all five of its runs in the contest in the bottom of the first inning to set the tone for the final six innings.
Hewitt-Trussville (30-8) scored its other run in the fourth inning. Wallace State signee Taylor Beshears paced the Huskies at the plate with a hit and an RBI in her three at bats. Bailey Murphy took the mound for her team and, after a rough first inning, settled in to pitch six solid innings.
Spain Park (33-9-2) received contributions from Destini England (2 RBIs), Marley Barnes (1 RBI), and Mary Katherine Tedder (2 hits). M.K. Bonamy went the distance in the circle, giving up seven hits in the win.
The Huskies must win in a rematch with Vestavia Hills on Saturday morning to ensure a spot in the Class 7A state playoffs. Hewitt-Trussville knocked off the Rebels on Thursday, and the winner will move on to play Spain Park in the championship round of the tournament later on Saturday.