The 02 Birmingham Lady Giants went 3-1 in the Liberty Park tournament and finished 3rd in the Gold (winners) bracket.
As has become the calling card of the Giants organization, pitching and defense led the way at Liberty Park, as the Giants allowed just 9 hits in 16 innings, while walking just 4 and 3 earned runs in their 4 games. Offensively the Giants amassed 18 hits, stranding just 5 runners in scoring position in the 4 games.
In the first game of pool play, the Birmingham Giants faced a long time main stay of the Birmingham softball scene, the White Lightning from Hoover. Olivia “Bob” Renta (3-1) , was masterful, going 3 innings, allowing 2 hits and no earned runs while walking just 1. Offensively the Giants were lead by Kim Livingston who’s 2 run single put the Giants, and Mollie “Rodeo” Freeman who, singled and scored the eventual winning run. Chy “chicken” Barnhill turned in a spectacular double play, and a great running catch from Elizabeth Wheat with the bases loaded preserved the 3-2 victory for the Giants.
In the second game of pool play, the Giants faced off with the comets. Making her first start as a Giant, Blakley Burr, picked up her first win as a Giant, going 5 strong innings, allowing no earned runs, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 3. Offensively the Giants 5 hits and 4 runs and cruised to a 4-1 victory. Hits from Hadley Andrews, Lauren Cabiness, Kim Livingston, Kinley Hall, and Mollie Freeman.
After going 2-0 in pool play, the Giants met the “Eliminators” in the first game of bracket play. Olivia Renta picked up the win, as the Giants silenced a loud, venomous crowd with an easy 5-0 victory. Great defensive plays from Chy Barnhill, , Ka’Mya Hampton, who also tripled in 2 runs, along with hits from Blakely Burr, Kim Livinston, and Elizabeth Wheat. Blakely Burr pitched the final 2 scoreless innings , and much like their name and fan base, the Eliminators were eliminated easily.
An old rival was up next on the slate for the Giants, the Pacers. After trailing early 3-1 the Giants battled back to 4-3 lead after 2, and a 5-5 tie after 3, but with 2 outs, the pacers got a walk off triple to win the game 6-5. Despite out hitting the Pacers 6-4, and some great defensive plays, a few Giant misque’s cost them late. Offensively the Giants were lead by Chy Barhill, (1), Hadley Andrews (1), Lauren Cabiness (1) Ka’Mya Hampton (1), Mollie Freeman(1), and a double that tied the game by Kinley “the Kid” Hall. The 02 Lady Giants play next in Trussville on the 13th of Sept.
